Report a Rat

What do they look like?

Britain has two kinds of rat:

The adult common rat weighs between 100 to 500 grams. It has brown fur on its back and is grey underneath. The tail is shorter than its head and body.

The ship rat is far less common. It weighs between 100 and 300 grams. It has black or brown fur with large almost hairless ears. Its tail is longer than the head and body.

How do you spot them?

Rats leave little dark brown droppings, about 20mm long. They gnaw on wire, wood and soft metals such as lead and aluminium.

The common rat can be found anywhere that offers shelter and food - including sewers. They are efficient burrowers and like compost heaps, areas under hedges and sheds where they dig shallow burrows and make nests with dry grass and leaves. In houses they nest in wall cavities and beneath floor boards.

Ship rats are normally be found indoors, mainly in port areas, but they may be transported inland, with cargo. They are agile climbers and jumpers, often nesting in roof spaces and upper floors.

Both species of rat are active mainly at night but can be seen searching for food and water during the day.

How do they affect me?

Rats are a major hazard to health. They spread many forms of disease such as Leptospirosis, Salmonella food poisoning, Typhus, Trichinosis, Tapeworms and Weil's Disease, which can be fatal to man.

How long do they live?

Rats live for about a year. During this time a female may breed five times. The average size of a litter is between seven and eight.

How do I report one?

Contact the Pest Control Team using this form providing details about where you saw the rat. This will help us to locate a possible infestation.

Alternatively you can telephone us on: (020) 7641 1522, or send a fax to : (020) 7641 1525