SLVHD | Environmental Health

RODENT CONTROL PROGRam

The Salt Lake Valley Health Department asks for your help and cooperation with this program to help prevent possible rodent problems in your area.

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HAZARDS

Rats contaminate animal and human foods and are a threat to the health and safety of animals in general. They have been responsible for causing house fires by chewing the insulation from electrical wiring. Diseases that may be a threat to people, such as bubonic plague and murine typhus, may be transmitted by rats, but the Health Department is not aware of any immediate threat of disease transmission in Salt Lake County. Direct contact with rats should be avoided.

RAT FACTS

Each rat damages $1.00 to $10.00 worth of food or other material each year, but contaminates 5 to 10 times more of these
Rats cost the U.S. Between 500 million and 1 billion dollars each year
Rats are the reservoir and carriers of several serious diseases of livestock and humans
Rats have been known to kill hundreds of chicks in one night, also full grown hens, ducks, baby pigs, lambs and to attack infants in their cribs
Rat-born diseases have been the cause of more deaths than all the wars in history.
Rats average 8 to 10 young per litter and average 5-6 litters per year.
In one year, one pair of rats will produce 50-70 offspring that will reach maturity and bear young.
Where humans live, the rat lives; what humans eat, the rat eats.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Can gain entrance through a ½ inch hole (1/4 inch for mouse)
Climb both horizontal and vertical wires
Climb inside of vertical pipes and conduits up to 3 inches in diameter
Climb up the outside of vertical pipes of any size if the pipe is within 3 inches of the wall or other continuous support
Crawl horizontally on any type of pipe or conduit
Climb bricks or other rough exterior walls offering foot holds
Climb vines, shrubs, or trees or travel along telephone or power lines to gain access to upper stories of buildings
Travel in sewer lines, even against substantial current, and dive through water plumbing traps

Rats

TRAPPING

Rats can be trapped, although they easily become "trap shy" as they learn quickly to avoid traps. These traps can be baited with peanut butter, bacon, rolled oats, etc. Placement of the traps in rat runways with the bait pan perpendicular to the wall, allows for the rat to come in contact with the "trigger" even though it is not after the bait. The rat gets caught in the trap rather than going around it thus improving trapping success.

POISONING

Poisoning of rats is a very effective way to reduce the rat population in a particular area. Any poisoning should be conducted legally, with care and according to the recommendations on the poison label. It is further suggested that all baits be placed in a "bait box" which allows entry by rats, but not cats, dogs, wild birds or children. These bait boxes should be firmly attached to a wall or the floor to prevent accidental spilling of the bait. There are many legal rat poisons available, however, the best bait is the one the rats will eat. Don't hesitate to change baits. The poison and knowledge of the poisons are attainable through home, garden, and farm supply stores. See "Farm Supplies" in the yellow pages for a listing of farm supply stores.

If you think you have rodents on or near your property, you should take advantage of the preventative measures listed below and cooperate with neighbors and the local health department to instigate proper control methods. To prevent rat infestations you should:

Provide adequate, leak-proof, non-absorbent containers with tight fitting lids for garbage storage. Always store containers inaccessible to rats.
Pile lumber and fire wood at least 18 inches above ground to remove harborage. The common rats of this area nests underground beneath objects.
Store all feed and foodstuffs in rat-proof containers or in rat-stopped building.
Remove all accumulations of garbage, trash, refuse, and inoperable vehicles and keep premises free of such items.
Rat-stop exterior of home. Close all openings through which rats may enter buildings.
When appropriate, use poison wisely or contact a local licensed pest control examiner.

DISPOSAL

Do not pick up a dead rat. Instead, use a shovel or other tool to keep it from coming in contact with you.
Put it in a double bag, tightly close and put it out for regular trash pickup.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

Should you need additional information and rat control, contact the Salt Lake Valley Health Department at 313-6641.