Rat sightings have become more common
Health authorities occasionally receive reports of rats being spotted in residential areas. Rats are pests that can damage structures, contaminate food and spread infectious diseases. However, the number of rats should be kept under control if the property's waste management is maintained properly and other measures are taken to ensure that rats do not find food or sheltered nesting sites. Rats usually move around in search of food, but as a result of construction and blasting work, rats may look for new nesting sites and more rats may be seen on the move than usual.
In preventing a rat problem, it is important to prevent the rat from getting food.
- Special attention should be paid to waste management on the property. Waste management must be organized in such a way that animals cannot access the waste container. Waste containers must always be closed and intact. It is worth checking the bottom of the waste container regularly, as rats can gnaw a hole in the bottom and enter unnoticed to find food.
- Bird feeding should be arranged in such a way that food does not end up accessible to rats. Bird feeders should be used to prevent large amounts of food from falling to the ground. Seed and shell material that accumulates under the feeding area should be regularly cleaned out into a waste container. Birds do not need to be fed during thaws, as they find their food in nature.
- It is a good idea to keep yard areas clean. Rats prefer damp, earthy places where they can easily dig underground passages. Piles of various boards and other items provide good shelter for rats, so it is a good idea to clean them up.
- In the fall, it is a good idea to collect the apples from the apple harvest as quickly as possible and dispose of the excess apples properly.
The destruction of rats and other pests is the responsibility of the property owner or occupier. If necessary, rats can be controlled with various traps or pesticides. It is recommended to carry out control measures simultaneously in the area of several properties.
Rat traps are sold to consumers in stores. The products should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The bait should be chosen in such a way that the rat cannot easily take the bait from the trap. When placing the traps, it should be ensured that they do not pose a danger to children, domestic animals or other wild animals. The traps should be checked daily. Dead rats can be disposed of with general waste.
Pesticides intended for rat control can currently only be purchased and used by pest control professionals. For a larger rat problem, it is recommended to contact a pest control professional.
Occasional observations of individual rats do not necessarily lead to action. If necessary, the municipal health protection authority will visit the notified location for an inspection and assess whether the presence of rats may cause a health hazard. If an unusually large number of rats are observed at a location, i.e. several at the same time and observations are made daily, the municipal health protection authority may oblige the property owner to take measures to control the pests. Properties in the area may also be informed of increased rat observations and given instructions on how to reduce rat hazards.
City of Hamina, health inspectors tel. 05 749 2551 health inspector@hamina.fi