C.A.H.L.
- YOUR PARTNER IN ANIMAL HEALTH
RODENT
CONTROL
Public
enemy No. 1 moves in !
As you
read this, you may be unaware that the most destructive pest known to
man is probably moving around your farmyard. Weighing less than 1kg,
he can inflict serious damage to your health, to the health of your
animals, and to your livelihood !
His
name ? Rattus norvegicus, the common rat !
The following
"rat facts" serve to illustrate the potential threat posed
by rats on Irish farms and to highlight the need for a planned control
programme on your farm.
Rats eat
10% of their body weight per day. They destroy 10 times that amount.
It has
been estimated that 130 million people could be fed each year with the
food destroyed by the world's rat population
Rats spread
several, potentially fatal, diseases amongst humans including, salmonella
bacteria (food poisoning), leptospira (jaundice), typhus and Weill's
Disease. Secondary infections from rat bites can also be fatal.
Rats spread
several serious diseases amongst animals including salmonella and leptospirosis.
Rats have
been known to cause fires in farm buildings where they have chewed through
insulation on electrical wires.
Rats will
gnaw through wood and enlarge masonry openings to gain entrance into
buildings.
When are
rats most common ?
Rats are
year round pests. Under certain conditions, rats can survive outdoors
during the winter. However, activity and migration into, and around,
farmyards increases as weather gets cooler and sources of food in the
fields decreases.
What are
their breeding habits ?
The average
life span of a rat is 18 months. Young are born about 22 days after
mating, and mature rapidly. Single females may have as many as 6 litters
per year averaging 6 to 14 young each time. By 3 months of age, the
young are independent, and capable of reproduction themselves. In ideal
conditions 1 male and 1 female can lead to 2400 rats in one year !
How can
rats be controlled ?
By far
the most effective way of controlling rats is to plan and implement
a comprehensive baiting programme using a modern, second generation,
rat bait such as STORM.
STORM is Ireland's number 1 rodenticide and kills rats and mice in a
single feed. A planned baiting programme with STORM can clear even the
worst infestations in under 21 days.
STORM is
available from your local CAHL representative.
