There is a brochure on my desk with a picture of the scariest rat I have ever seen on the cover. His bulging, beady little eyes look as if he is ready to attack. His ferocious demeanour and giant protruding teeth give fair warning to any that might approach. And although he has a smooth coat, he looks like as if he is drugged and out of his mind, ready to infect victims with his deadly bite.

But are rats really that big a danger to Bermuda?

Yes, says the chief foreman at Vector Control, Ross Furbert, because they can carry disease, especially if they are not kept under control.

Worse still is the potential threat of mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes Egyptai, which is known to carry dengue fever in other parts of the world.

"Rodents, because they are scarier, are taken more seriously, but mosquitoes, because of their numbers, are more likely to spread disease," Mr. Furbert explains. However, thanks to the diligence of the staff at Vector Control, a modern-day infection in the local population has yet to be seen.

The brochure was produced for Vector Control, a department within the Ministry of Health, who's sole purpose is to help eradicate infestations of rats and mosquitoes.

The department is divided into 10 districts, covering the island from end to end, with an inspector per parish. There are two inspectors designated to Pembroke - one for the City of Hamilton and one for the parish itself.

"The inspector's job is to go out and educate the public," says Mr. Furbert. "Each individual in Bermuda is responsible for their environment."

As a result, it is the responsibility of the department to monitor rat and mosquito populations around the Island and investigate in instances where complaints of such pests.

"Rats and mosquitoes react to our habits," he adds. "They can only survive because of us. It is a year-round job. People think it is a summer problem, but it goes on 12 months of the year."

In addition to responding to complaints, the inspectors also monitor 599 mosquito traps around the island to help them determine possible mosquito population growths, so they can be stopped before getting getting out of hand. The traps are small jars located throughout the island and contain wood bars with a rough surface with just enough water to entice female mosquitoes to lay their eggs.

The traps are monitored weekly, with the wood bars being replaced and brought in for examination under a microscope to see how many eggs have been laid. If eggs are found, then an investigation will begin to search for possible sources.

"It can be something as small as a chip bag in the trees. All you need is an ounce of water."

All of the inspectors are cross-trained, allowing them to watch out for both rat and mosquito infestations.

"We are trying to kill two birds with one stone. When we inspect for one, we inspect for the other," Mr. Furbert says.

In the instance of a complaint, an inspector will visit the complainant's home to investigate to see if there is anything on the property that might encourage infestation.

"The inspectors will go back on a weekly basis and service the property. When rodents stop taking the bait, we go in and close the file." In all, it is a thankless job that requires long hours and lots of hard work.

"Our guys are very good at what they do. They are very diligent. They come in and give 120 percent every day."

Mr. Furbert urges residents to regularly check their properties, dumping out water that collects after every rain. Mosquitoes can breed in old tires, planters, pet dishes, watering cans, bottles, tree holes and bamboo, discarded toys, roof gutters, bromeliad plants, garden containers, brick holes, banana tree leaves and wheelbarrows, among other items.

Water is also a draw for rats, as is the availability of food from open garbage cans, pet food, food dropped behind stoves, dirty dishes in sinks and improperly stored food. They are known to build nests and breed in derelict buildings, old cars, overgrown hedges, trees and bushes, rubbish heaps and anywhere debris might accumulate. Rats usually collect old newspapers, brown bags, clothing and furniture to soften their nests.

For more information, assistance or to make a complaint, contact Vector Control at 278-4998 or e-mail pestcontrol[AT]gov.bm.