Mankind has fought the menace of rats since the earliest times. So prolific are these rodents that despite all methods devised to eliminate them, next to man they are the most successful and abundant mammals on earth.

A few "rat facts'': A rat can fall 45 feet without hurting itself; swim half a mile; tread water for three days; jump three feet vertically and five feet horizontally; wriggle through a hole one quarter its size; chew through lead and aluminum sheeting; and produce up to 15,000 descendants in a year.

In Bermuda, we have two species of rats. They are the Rattus Rattus, commonly called the roof rat, ship rat or black rat, and Rattus Norvegicus, commonly called the Norway rat, brown rat or water rat.

Bermuda became infested with the roof rat in 1613 when a ship loaded with grain was wrecked on an offshore reef. The rats on board abandoned ship, swam ashore and quickly established themselves in their new habitat and have been here ever since.

The habits of both species of rats are extremely interesting; for instance the roof rat is primarily a climbing animal. It frequently nests in trees of dense foliage and the upper stories of buildings. It is nimble and acrobatic and is sometimes seen moving quickly along overhead cables and branches.

The Norway rat is primarily a burrowing animal. It can climb but generally prefers to keep to the lower parts of buildings. It is also an expert swimmer.

Nesting sites are sewers, under or inside buildings, in accumulations providing harbourage such as junk piles, lumber, trash and garbage.

Rats are a major risk to the health of the community. They can assist in the transmission of serious diseases. Their fleas, lice and ticks can also adversely affect pets and humans. Their excreta and hair contaminate food and utensils, causing food poisoning and economic loss. Rat colonies damage and foul buildings and furnishings, and they generate a terrible smell. Rats' gnawing will damage buildings, pipes, conduits and wiring and has been the cause of electrical fires. Rats normally come out at night and usually are not seen unless they are very hungry or present in large numbers.

Besides seeing them directly, there are ways that you may detect the presence of rats: Droppings Almond shells, chop bones etc. left in the corners of sheds, under homes and other secluded spots.

Signs of fruit and vegetables having been eaten.

Burrow holes around buildings.

Signs of gnawing damage Squeaking, gnawing or movement noises in walls, cupboard and ceilings and under floors.

One of the best ways in which the public can assist with effective rodent control is to maintain good sanitary conditions around their own premises.

Rats can be discouraged and ultimately destroyed by denying them food and shelter. A few simple precautions will prevent or help get rid of them.

Store firewood away from the sides of homes, sheds and fences and keep it stacked six inches clear off the ground.

Remove or limit garden waste or other disused material in sheds or around your yard.

Remove ripe fruit and nuts from trees or vines.

Block holes and other potential access points around all buildings.

Keep pet food dishes clean and store bulk pet food supplies in a manner which denies access to rats.

Rubbish bins and compost containers should be well maintained and free from holes. Meat scraps must never be composted.

Thoroughly examine your property to ensure you have discouraged rats from making your home their home.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL ISSUES HTH