What to do if you see a rat.
The Isle of Wight Council enforces the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 and does not provide a pest control service. The landowner may have to pay for the treatment.
Click here for a list of the Council’s Approved Pest Control Contractors
If in doubt telephone your local Environmental Health Department.
Tel: 01983 823000.
Why do we need to deal with rats as pests ?
They may transmit disease. They suffer from and carry many diseases which can be spread to man. They can spoil large quantities of food in both the home and the work place. Millions of tons of rat infested food stuffs are condemned because they are contaminated by rat droppings and urine. They are capable of causing a great deal of damage. They may cause danger by gnawing through electric cables, gas and water pipes. What to look for.
Seeing or hearing rats. This is often the way in which we first notice them.
Disappearance of food. You may notice food disappearing or being damaged and test baiting with food is often how we confirm an infestation.
Holes and scrapes. Holes or burrows may be noticed. These may be in outside areas, between walls or under floorboards.
Damage. Damage may occur as holes in packaging of foodstuffs or soft furnishings by rats in search of food and nesting materials.
Gnawing. This may be noticed on woodwork, brickwork or pipework.
Smears. Rat fur is very greasy and continuous use of runs may produce dark patchy smears against walls.
Footprints. These may be noticed in soft ground, dust or in areas affected by cooking fats.
Droppings. These are normally similar to grains of rice in shape and approximately 19mm or ¾ of one inch long. These are often found on runs regularly used by the rats.
Disappearance of food. You may notice food disappearing or being damaged and test baiting with food is often how we confirm an infestation.
Holes and scrapes. Holes or burrows may be noticed. These may be in outside areas, between walls or under floorboards.
Damage. Damage may occur as holes in packaging of foodstuffs or soft furnishings by rats in search of food and nesting materials.
Gnawing. This may be noticed on woodwork, brickwork or pipework.
Smears. Rat fur is very greasy and continuous use of runs may produce dark patchy smears against walls.
Footprints. These may be noticed in soft ground, dust or in areas affected by cooking fats.
Droppings. These are normally similar to grains of rice in shape and approximately 19mm or ¾ of one inch long. These are often found on runs regularly used by the rats.
PREVENTIVE ACTION YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER.
Do not put foodstuffs out for birds unless it is on a raised protected table.
Refrain from putting foodstuffs on compost heaps. If you wish to compost food use the organic waste bin system.
Contain domestic refuse in appropriate containers until it is due for collection.
Keep: all food areas clean tidy, all food contained in rodent proof containers which are best kept off the floor.
Repair any holes in floors, walls or skirting boards and protect wooden doors with metal sheeting which should be fixed to the bottom of the door.
For more information regarding this Leaflet
Please contact:
Environmental Health Service
Jubilee Stores
The Quay
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 2EH
Telephone: 01983 823000
Facsimile: 01983 529804
©Isle of Wight Council, May 2004
Page last updated on: 30/08/2007
©2011 Isle of Wight Council
| Disclaimer
| Privacy |
Contact WebTeam | GOV.UK
| Freedom of Information | Report a problem