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March 26, 2024 - 10:33 AM
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is advocating for Thompson-Okanagan area residents to stop the spread of these invasive rodents.
Two species of rats are causing problems across the province. The ineptly named Norway rat from China and Mongolia, along with its Indian black rat cousin, also known as a roof rat, were introduced to Canada through European settler ships in the 1800s.
Both species are now found worldwide and are causing havoc here in BC.
The invasive species society is asking residents not to release or transport rats in BC and to prevent them from entering homes.
“We encourage residents to block off potential entry points and remove and securely store any food or garbage that might attract rats,” executive director Robyn Hooper said in a press release issued, March 25.
Residents are encouraged to seek guidance from a licensed professional to find proper control methods.
They are also advised against using poison as it does not kill the rat immediately and can enter the food chain if the rat is eaten by a predator.
READ MORE: Why you better get used to living with rats in Kamloops, Okanagan
Norway rats are large, measuring in at close to 21 centimetres long. They have a short tail and small ears and prefer semi-aquatic environments, which usually means they can be found in sewer systems.
On the other hand, black rats enjoy climbing and are usually found in ceilings. Black rats are shorter, just 17.5 centimetres long, and have long tails and large ears.
Both species are highly opportunistic feeders and can adapt to a range of environments.
They are also rapidly growing in numbers as in just one year a single rat can produce up to 900 offspring.
READ MORE: When the sun goes down, a swarm of rats emerges in downtown Vancouver
Large numbers of rats can cause significant damage to infrastructure, as well as contaminate food sources, transmit diseases, negatively impact crops, and eat chicken eggs and chicks.
Rats also chew through insulation, walls and wires, which sometimes starts electrical fires.
More information on managing rats can be founds on the BC government website here.
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