Rodents
Introduction:
The three important urban rodents are Norway rats, Roof rats and House mice. The Norway rat, also called the brown, wharf or sewer rat, can be found virtually everywhere humans live. They are attracted to areas that provide a wealth of hiding places and easy access to food.
The roof rat, an agile climber, is more at home in the city, with its wires and tall buildings. House mice can establish long-term residence in homes and offices. They are well adapted to life without a steady water supply, and are able to survive long periods on cereals and food. scraps.
| Norway Rat | Roof Rat | House Mouse |
|
| Scientific Name | Rattus norvegicus | Rattus rattus | Mus musculus |
| Common names | Brown, wharf or sewer rat | black, ship or house rat | |
| Adult weight | 11 oz | 7 oz | oz |
| Fur Colours | Brown with black shaggy | Grey to black, smooth | Light brown to grey |
| Droppings | Capsule-shaped | Spindle-shaped | Rod-shaped |
| Climbing Ability | Can climb | Active climber | Good climber |
| Habitats | Underground burrows near damp places such as garbage dumps | Nests in blackberry bramble, pyracantha bushes, ivy, palm trees, and other evergreens in the city. | Nests in underground burrows and holes inside buildings. |
| Litter size | 8 to 12 | 6 to 8 | 6 to 7 |
| Litter per year | 7 | 6 | 8 to 10 |
| Ears & Eyes | Small | Large | Small |
| Nose | Blunt | Pointed | |
| Tail | Shorter than head and body | Long than head and body | |
| Droppings | Blunt average length in | Pointed average length in | Pointed average length in |
Control Measures:
- Place traps in areas where they are inaccessible to children and pets.
- Use effective baits; for Norway rats, use a piece of bacon or a slice of hot dog; for roof rats, raisins and nuts; for mice, gumdrops and raisins. Since rats are sensitive to changes in the environment, traps should be pre-baited. Place baited traps out for several days without setting the trap. Check traps daily to see if bait is being taken. Once rats take the bait, add fresh bait and set the trap.
- Set three traps side by side at right angles to the wall with the triggers facing the wall. Alternatively, set two traps, end-to-end, and parallel to the wall with the trigger facing out.
- Place traps for roof rats on tree limbs, under vegetation, on backyard trellises and fences, and at other aboveground sites.
- Traps should be inspected daily, and stale baits should be replaced.
Chemical Control Options:
Use poison baits only when trapping and rodent proofing have failed to solve the problem. A word of caution when using poison baits: Rodents poisoned by baits will take several days to die. There is a chance that a mouse or a rat will die within walls and becomes inaccessible to remove. A decaying rodent can create foul odors and presents a health hazard.