Spotting a problem with rats in a food premises should be easy due to the characteristics associated with them.
Droppings
Rats are slightly incontinent and leave faeces were ever they go. Even with a small infestation there will be plenty of droppings scattered around. Droppings are spindle shaped, approx ¾-½ inch long and often found on the ‘runs’ frequently used by the rats.
Gnawing
Rats front teeth never stop growing so they must gnaw to keep them at the correct length.
Due to the need to gnaw they are capable of causing a great deal of damage to:
...to name only a few items that rats will gnaw.
Smears
The fur of a rat is very greasy and dirty. When they rub against a surface such as a wall a dark patchy smear will be left.
Holes and scrapes
Holes may be seen outside of your premises such as under sheds, they will often be accompanied by heaps of earth and debris.
Hearing rat activity
This is often the first indication to there presence. Scratching noises coming from wall cavities, under floors and in loft spaces.
Behaviour
Rats will live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. They can live in loft spaces, wall cavities, under floor boards, compost heaps, grass banks and sheds.
A rats favourite food is cereal products although they will eat almost anything, including each other.
Diseases
Rats can transmit many diseases to humans, including Salmonellosis and Weils disease.
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