WHAT ARE RATS?

Why are rats and mice

such a health risk to the
 Rats are various medium-sized,
long-tailed rodents. Species of community?
rats are found throughout the Around the world, rats and mice are
order Rodentia, but known to spread over 35 diseases that
stereotypical rats are found in can infect both people and pets,
the genus Rattus. including:
 Plague
 Salmonellosis
How will we inspect if there are  Leptospirosis
rats inside are house?  Rat bite fever

 droppings (12 mm to 18 mm long)

These diseases can be
 added debris such as snail shells or
passed on by:
fruits with the sides eaten out
 direct contact such as rat bites RATS CONTROL METHODS:
 bones left in the corners of sheds,
under homes and other secluded  unsafe handling and disposal of
spots infected dead rats
 greasy trails or rub marks along  eating food or drinking water
paths they travel, especially supports contaminated with:
or beams  rat urine
 burrow holes around buildings  Faeces
 Saliva
 signs of gnawing damage
 hair
 pet dogs, cats and birds being more
 breathing dust contaminated
excitable than usual
with the urine and faeces of
 squeaking, gnawing or scratching infected rats.
noises in walls, cupboards, ceilings
and under floors.
Rodent pest control safety precautions
 When using rodent pest control methods,
follow these safety precautions:

 read the product label before use and only

apply pesticides in accordance with the
label directions, including any safety
information
 wear appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides
 do not place baits in areas where they can
be accessed by children, pets, wildlife or THANK YOU FOR
livestock, or use lockable bait stations
 place baits only in locations from which
they can later be retrieved
LISTENING!
 keep a record of bait placements
 inspect bait stations regularly and remove
GOD BLESS!
baits if the rodent problem ceases, ensuring
appropriate disposal
 notify all occupants of the building about
the use of pesticides PROTECT YOUR
 do not place baits or tracking powder where
they can contaminate food or food-handling
areas
 do not eat, drink or smoke when handling
HEALTH
pesticides
 always wash PPE such as gloves, clothes and
boots after pesticide use
KEEP RATS
UNDER CONROL!
 store pesticides in their original containers
and ensure that the label remains intact –
do not transfer products to alternative
containers.

By: Jazzyleene M. Ubag BSN 2A

WMSU