Rats are various medium-sized, long-tailed rodents found throughout the world. Some key facts about rats:

• Rats are part of the order Rodentia and are found in the genus Rattus, as well as other genera like Neotoma, Bandicota and Dipodomys
• Rats have been portrayed as villains in many fictional works, often as mechanisms of horror or as symbols of treachery. However, they have also been depicted as positive, helpful characters in some stories.
• Rat meat is a dietary staple in some cultures, while considered taboo in others. Rats have also been used as working animals, such as for detecting landmines and tuberculosis.
• Rats are considered major pests, capable of spreading diseases like the bubonic plague and causing significant property damage by gnawing on structures.
• Major rat infestations have been reported in cities like New York, Chicago, London and Paris.
• Rats have excellent senses of smell, taste and hearing, and can jump, climb and swim remarkably well.
• They breed rapidly, with females capable of mating up to 500 times in 6 hours.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists 16 rat species as threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and declining populations.

If you’ve got a problem with rats and would like a pest control specialist to help, please call Steve on 07535 949910.