Rats

RATS

Roof Rat

Rodents, such as the rat, have lived with humans for centuries. The Okanagan is no exception. Unlike most other creatures, the only way to successfully reduce rat populations is through extermination. Trapping and relocating rats only serve to help spread rats - causing someone else grief.

The best way to avoid having to exterminate rats on your property is to take precautions to eliminate food attractants and potential homes for rat colonies. Keep a clean and tidy property, including gardens and outbuildings.

Where rats are seen and/or becoming a problem, call a pest exterminator.

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Rodents and Rats

Various rodents are found in the Okanagan. The house mouse has a small, slender body with pointed ears and a long tail. The field vole, common near weeds, is small and stocky with rounded ears and a short tail. The deer mouse, which lives in forested areas, is recognized by its white underbelly. The rat most commonly found in the Okanagan is the black rat (also known as roof rat).

If you have spotted a rat in:

    A home or business
  • Report the rat to the manager or property owner. Property owners are responsible for managing rats and rodents found on their property.
  • Traps can be purchased at your local hardware store.
  • If your home has an infestation that can not be controlled through traps, contact a pest management company.
    In parks and public spaces
  • Report the siting to Park Services at 250-71-PARKS (250-717-2757)

Managing Rodents and Rats

If your home has an infestation that can not be controlled through traps, contact a pest management company.

Rodent Proofing: Ensure that your home and yard is rodent proof by removing access to food, water and shelter. Follow these tips:

Rats in the House

  • Composters: Keep yard waste composters working efficiently, keep moist and regularly churned, use leaves, avoid grass clippings. Place 1/2” metal wire mesh under all compost and storage bins to block rodents.

  • Vines and Climbers: Rats and rodents can use untrimmed, overgrown vines as runways.

  • Fruit and Nuts: Keep fruit and nut trees tidy and remove all dropped or rotten fruit.

  • Birdfeeders: A major animal attractant. Dropped and spilled seed is inevitable. Tidy areas around feeders and consider a tray under the feeder to catch dropped seed.

  • Pets: Do not leave pet food accessible or outside overnight. Remove any uneaten or dropped feed. In some cases, rats can be attracted to pet waste, be sure to properly dispose of all waste in a proper receptacle.

  • Structures: Check all vents and screens along foundations and replace or repair any damage. Cover openings with 1/2” wire mesh. Check weather stripping and soffits for chew marks. Regularly check shelves and corners of sheds and outbuildings for rat droppings or signs of rodents. Remove ‘safe’ places for rats and rodents by removing tall weeds, piles of unused lumber, litter and loose firewood.

Clues to Rat Infestation

Roofrat, black (roof) rat
  • Rat droppings: Rats leave 30 to 180 droppings per day. These will range from one half to three quarters of an inch in length and are cylindrical in shape.
  • Runways: Rats tend to use the same path when they are exploring their territory; therefore they will leave a well-worn path along beams, walls or vegetation. Check along walls, fences, pipes and beams for rub marks and worn paths.
  • Burrows: Rats will burrow beneath objects. Check for well-rounded holes 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) in diameter with worn paths.
  • Gnaw Marks: The front teeth of rats are continually growing so rats constantly gnaw to reduce the size of their teeth; consequently they can cause damage to structures or wiring.

More information on managing rodents and rats can be found by visiting Health Link BC.

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