Brown Rat
Bioligy
Brown Rats along with House Mice are known as commensal rodents which translates into “Sharing mans table” which is a pretty good description as they need our presence to live. Brown Rats belong to the mammal order Rodentia. This name is derived from the Latin word rodere which means to gnaw. The common characteristic of all rodents are continually growing incisor teeth.
Size : Adult 220-170mm. Colour : Brown to Grey
Snout : Blunt. Ears : Thick and Small
Habitat and Movement
Brown rats will live in a large variety of different locations. In natural surroundings they like to burrow into banks this would normally be near a food source. Humans have provided them with many man made habitats from sewers and drain systems to dark unused areas of garages and sheds in fact there are very few places that man exists and rats don’t.
Rats are primarily nocturnal and therefore their eye sight detects movement rather then form. Rats have an incredible sense of touch using fine hairs and whiskers (vibrissae). This allows them to navigate in the dark. Creatures of habit they are very fearful of new surroundings and objects (Neophobia).
A Pest Controllers Guide to Rats and Rat Control
For the purposes of this site and in general UK pest control we will only consider the Brown rat as a major rat pest in the U.K. Although there are occasional problems with Black rats these are rare and mainly confined to port areas where they occasionally come in on ships.
The Brown rat is thought to have originated in Asia perhaps China but no one can be sure. It is thought that they arrived in Europe at the beginning of the 18th Century. The first date recorded of Brown rats in the UK was 1728. They are also sometimes named the Common rat, House rat, Sewer rat, Wharf Rat and the Norway Rat. The term Water Rat as in “Ratty” from the wind in the willows is totally incorrect as “Ratty” was a water vole and these are NOT a pest species.
Signs of Rats
We would imagine you are reading this page because you either know or think you have Rats. There are many clues and signs to look for, but many take experience to interpret these are the main types of evidence you yourself my find
Droppings. Varying in size from 5mm to 250mm the shape of a jelly bean. If wet and shiny then they are fresh.
Damage. Torn food bags, gnawed doors, pet food going missing, fruit being taken etc.
You will only get these signs if the problem is caused by a heavy infestation.
What we can offer you
Our professional pest control services include anything from the treatment and eradication of a wasp nest to a full commercial pest control and prevention contract.
Our Pest Control Contract Service will not only help to prevent a problem. With over a decade of experience you can be sure we will have the answer to your Pest Control needs.
Our Guarantee to you
The Price we give is the price you pay
We will give you an effective solution
We will provide you with a friendly & expert service
We are fully trained / insured and police checked when necessary
Help to prevent a problem
Help to protect your reputation, stock & property
How do I get rid of pests in my home?
Give PGNW a call today to see how we can remove any unwanted guests in your business.
We undertake Domestic Pest Control across the UK.