Rats are infamous for their ability to carry and spread bacteria, they also carry fleas (which resulted in the bubonic plague). As well as this, there is a serious fear stigma attached to them and they can do serious physical damage to buildings by gnawing wiring, plumbing and even structural supports.

Common Rat or Brown Rat or Sewer Rat.

Recognition:  This rat usally is recognised by its brownish fur on its back with greyer fur on its underside.

Size: An adult is typically 200 - 280mm plus tail lenght of 150 to 200 mm. A Rat can live for  12 to 18 months.

Signs of infestation:  Sightings of rats, living or dead or signs of droppings. These can be up to 10 mm long with tapered ends. A rat will tread the same routes, known as runs. Runs can sometimes be seen as trails in dust and earth and flattened routes in the grass. Greasy smears may also indicate repeated contact with their fur. Rats will knaw entry and exit holes and may also damage goods. Urine will be found in  feeding areas and along runs and will glow under UV light.

Where: A burrow can have an entrance hole of 5cm diameter, found under tree roots, around the edges of paving/drain covers and banks. Nests may be found in insulated areas such as lofts and under floor cavitys. Nests are sometime found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.

Facts:  Rats need to gnaw constantly to grind down their front teeth, which grow uptp 12 cm per year.Rats are capable of eating 30-40g of food, and 50-60 ml of water every.
A breeding pair may have between up to 6 litters per year, with upto 8 per litter. They can breed at just 12 weeks old
Brown rats are omnivorous and like food such as cereals, vegetables, fish, meat,  earthworms, nuts and fruit.
Cleanliness is the key to keepint rats away, they can thrive in dirty conditions inside and out.
Diseases carried by brown rats: Salmonella, Trichinosis (Pork roundworm), Weils disease.