RATS
Destructive and dangerous
Rats are among the most resilient and troublesome pests in Cape Town, capable of causing significant health risks and structural damage.
Whether it’s Brown Rats burrowing underground or Black Rats nesting above, these pests can multiply quickly and wreak havoc in no time. From contaminated food and damaged property to the spread of diseases, rats are a problem that no home or business can afford to ignore.
It has become increasingly challenging to control and eradicate rats because of their resistance to anticoagulant rodent baits. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a lot of rat control companies in Cape Town resorting to stronger single-feed formulations that pose a huge risk to non-target animals such as owls, caracals, cats and dogs.
Scientists in Cape Town have recently discovered that rat poison is killing our wildlife. They found “five different commercially available rat poisons in the livers of 81% of the predators we tested. Predators included common ones such as genets, Cape Eagle owls, and water mongooses, and rarer ones such as caracals, otters, and a honey badger. The detection of rat poison in otters is especially interesting because it suggests that poisons used on land can make their way into the city’s streams, wetlands and estuaries”. Read more here.
Secondary poisoning has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the owl population all over the world including in Cape Town.
We urge all Cape Town residents to rethink the use of poisons and toxic chemicals and to use more environmentally responsible alternatives wherever possible. Given that we share our neighbourhood with so many wild animals that are susceptible to poison, we should avoid rodent poisons and toxic chemicals at all times.
We have to STOP POISONING OWLS.
Fewer owls mean more rats!
We only use Multi- Feed formulations for controlling rats in Cape Town because they are safer for the environment and especially owls. We also make use of poison-free methods which include Humane rat/ mouse traps, electronic rat traps and live catch and release mouse traps.
To view our range of eco-friendly pest control products, click here.
Want to learn more about what poison labels mean and how to choose low environmental impact poisons? Click here.
Common Rats & Mice in Cape Town
Brown Rats: Facts and Characteristics
Brown Rats, also known as common rats, street rats, or sewer rats, are among the most widespread and resilient rodents in urban and rural environments. These rodents have a brownish-grey fur coat, with their head and body measuring up to 28 cm in length. Their tails, slightly shorter than their bodies, add another distinguishing feature to their appearance.
Omnivorous Diet and Survival Skills
Brown Rats are highly adaptable omnivores, capable of eating nearly anything they come across. Their diet typically includes grains, fruits, and vegetables, but they won’t hesitate to consume meat, insects, or even garbage when food is scarce. Their strong survival instincts and ability to thrive in diverse environments make them notorious pests.
Behavior and Habitat
These rats are known for their burrowing habits, often building elaborate tunnel systems in the ground, under buildings, or near water sources. They are primarily nocturnal and extremely cautious, making them difficult to detect and control. Commonly found in sewers, garbage dumps, and other urban settings, Brown Rats can also invade homes and businesses, posing health and safety risks.
Why They’re a Concern
Brown Rats are more than just a nuisance—they can cause significant damage by chewing through wires, pipes, and other materials. Additionally, they are carriers of diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella, which can threaten human and animal health.
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Black Rats: Facts and Characteristics
Black Rats, also known as ship rats, roof rats, or house rats, are agile and highly adaptable rodents commonly found in both urban and rural areas. Their fur ranges from black to light brown, with a lighter underside, making them distinguishable from other rat species. They have a body length of 12.75 cm to 18.25 cm, and their long tails, measuring 15 cm to 22 cm, are typically longer than their bodies.
Diet and Food Preferences
As omnivores, Black Rats are capable of eating a wide variety of foods, but they show a strong preference for fruits, seeds, and nuts. When these preferred foods are unavailable, they will consume grains, vegetables, and even small insects. Their opportunistic feeding habits allow them to thrive in diverse environments.
Behavior and Habitat
Black Rats are excellent climbers and are often found in higher places such as roofs, attics, and trees, earning them the nickname “roof rat.” They are primarily nocturnal, actively searching for food and shelter under the cover of darkness. Unlike Brown Rats, which burrow, Black Rats prefer to nest in elevated locations, making them a common problem in urban buildings and residential areas.
Why They’re a Concern
Black Rats are not just a nuisance—they pose significant health and structural risks. They are known carriers of diseases such as bubonic plague, typhus, and salmonella, which can spread to humans and animals through their droppings, urine, or bites. Additionally, their chewing habits can damage electrical wiring, insulation, and wooden structures, leading to costly repairs.
Brown Rat
Black Rat
Brown vs Black Rats
Help conserve Cape Town’s diverse wildlife. Reduce secondary poisoning – THINK BEFORE YOU POISON.
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Email: info@deadeasypestcontrol.co.za
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