Black rat, control
What is it?
The black rat has been spotted more and more often in Leudal in recent years. Especially at agricultural companies in the outlying area this disease spreader pops up. In order to keep the health risk and economic damage manageable, it is necessary that you inform the municipality in case of detection.
You can recognize the presence of black rats by the following traces:
- droppings: dark, spindle-shaped with pointed ends, on average 1 cm long and 2-3 mm thick;
- footprints ("prints") and belly marks in fabric;
- Sweep marks in places where rats always choose the same route;
- Absence of dust and/or cobwebs on established walkways, while present in the surrounding area;
- gnaw marks on fruit-bearing shrubs, packing materials, wood floors, insulation materials, cables and pipes, among others.
What to do.
If you have seen or suspect black rats, it is important that you keep them "out of the house. You do this by:
- make and keep aviaries mouse- and rat-proof;
- throw only yard waste and therefore no food scraps on a compost pile;
- clean up fallen fruit and if there are signs of foraging, remove the fall fruit immediately;
- be alert in the fall for signs of foraging on kiwi, grapes, passion fruit, nuts and the like;
- supplemental feeding of birds only during frost;
- feed for pets and livestock properly sealed;
- close vents and other openings in facades, doors or roofs;
- avoid vegetation against buildings;
- stacking fireplace wood in such a way that no nesting site is possible.
Report directly
If you have spotted or caught one or more rats, file a black rat nuisance report immediately
Demolish company?
If you are going to demolish a former poultry, pig and/or cattle barn, it is important that pest control is adequately completed. The rat primarily nests around the roofs. This is also where demolition usually begins. Once demolition is started, the rat spreads in the area and the associated nuisance and complaints arise.
If you have demolition plans, you should at least contact the municipality's pest control officers. They can advise you on how to prevent the spread of the black rat. You can do this by calling: (0475) 85 90 00 or ongediertebestrijding@leudal.nl.
Additional information
The Black Rat North & Central Limburg Project Group has launched a special website with extensive information on the black rat. For more info, visit www.zwarterat.eu