2024-11-08 21:07:00
The main types of rats in France and their characteristics
Brown mouse (variant du rat brown)The Norwegian ratSimilar to the brown rat but often more robust Sewers, landfills Very aggressive, invasive Dense urban areas
Type of rat
Scientific name
Physical characteristics
Habitat
Behavior
Regions in France
Rat brown (sewer rat)
The Norwegian rat
Size: 20 to 27 cm (without tail), tail shorter than the body, brown-gray coat Sewers, cellars, near watercourses Nocturnal, excellent swimmer, lives in colonies Throughout France, especially urban and coastal areas
Black rat (attic rat)
Rattus rattus
Smaller: 15 to 22 cm, tail longer than the body, black or dark brown coat Attics, roofs, warehouses Good climber, wary, prefers heights Especially in the south of France and in port areas
Collared field mouse
Apodemus flavicollis
Size: 8 to 12 cm, light brown coat, white belly with a yellow collar Wooded areas, gardens, countryside Active at night, climbs well, solitary Throughout France, especially in the countryside
Muskrat
Muskrat zibeticus
Size: 25 to 40 cm, thick reddish-brown coat, semi-aquatic Rivers, ponds Excellent swimmer, destroyer of banks Mainly in the east and north of France
What is a rat?
Rats are urban rodents known for their intelligence and great adaptability, which makes their eradication difficult. Their reproduction is rapid: a female can have between three and six litters of eight or more young each year. The young leave the nest after 3 to 4 weeks and become capable of breeding at 3 to 5 months. In the wild, their life expectancy generally does not exceed one year, while domestic rats can live longer.
Where can we find them?
According to Danièle Odin, cleaning expert, rats do not behave like pets who choose a specific place to defecate. “ Their droppings, although annoying, are useful for identifying their presence “, she specifies. These tracks appear especially in areas they cross at night, when space is deserted or everyone is asleep.
« Kitchens, cupboards, warehouses and trash cans are the first places to inspect, as they are mainly looking for food “, she explains. Any area containing food or remains thus becomes a preferred passage for these rodents.
How do you know if you have a mouse or rat in your home?
The presence of droppings is often the first clue. If you find them in a room, especially your children’s bedroom, it could signal a serious problem. Danièle Odin warns: “ A single dropping should never be taken lightly. It can indicate the presence of rats or mice hiding in the dark. »
Finding a dead rodent can sometimes help identify the type of pest more quickly. “ But the droppings are often enough to reveal a serious problem that must be treated without delay. », she adds.
How to recognize rat droppings: clues
Rat droppings are easily recognizable: they measure between 1.5 and 2 cm, with a tapered shape reminiscent of a small banana with pointed ends. Their color varies from dark brown to black, depending on the rodents’ diet. Danièle Odin explains: “ Fresh feces are soft and moist, while as they dry, they harden. The presence of recent droppings indicates ongoing activity, often nearby. »
Large numbers of fresh droppings may indicate a growing population, while drier droppings suggest rats have been present for some time.
Risks of touching rat droppings
Touching rat droppings with bare hands carries serious risks, as these rodents spread serious diseases. Danièle Odin recalls: “ Handling these droppings without precaution can expose you to serious infections. » Upon identification, it is essential to wear gloves and follow strict safety measures to eliminate them.
It is then necessary to thoroughly disinfect the area, especially if it is a space where you eat or work. The expert also suggests taking a photo of the droppings before cleaning: “This allows experts to quickly identify whether they are rats or mice and adapt the treatment accordingly. »
Rat droppings and their health risks
Rat droppings can carry dangerous pathogens. Danièle Odin advises: “Always use gloves and a respiratory mask when cleaning, and carefully disinfect affected areas. » These infectious agents can be transmitted by direct contact, by ingestion of contaminated food or water, or by inhalation of dust containing dried fecal matter.
Among the associated diseases, we find:
Salmonellosis : Transmitted by ingestion, it causes diarrhea, fever and cramps.
Leptospirosis : May cause jaundice, kidney failure or meningitis.
Hantavirus : Inhaled via contaminated dust, it causes a potentially fatal pulmonary syndrome.
Toxoplasmosis : Particularly dangerous for pregnant women or immunocompromised people.
Rat bite fever : Causes fever, muscle pain and rash.
Trichinose : Transmitted by consumption of contaminated meat, it causes muscle pain and bloating.
FYI
In 2022, around 600 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in France, mainly in the humid regions of the south.
How to clean rat urine and droppings safely?
Put on rubber or plastic gloves. Spray droppings and urine with a diluted bleach solution or approved disinfectant, then leave for 5 minutes. Wipe dry with paper towels, then throw them into a closed trash can. Disinfect the area with a mop or sponge, cleaning all hard surfaces (floors, countertops, cabinets, drawers). Wash your gloves with soap and water before removing them. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. If you don’t have soap, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
How to scare rats away?
To scare away rats (whether at home or in the garden), use natural repellents like peppermint or eucalyptus. Block the accesses with putty or fine mesh. Maintain rigorous cleanliness by eliminating food scraps and waste. Set rat traps or call a professional.
To effectively eliminate rats and mice, rely on well-placed traps and a strategic method. Opt for spring trapstaking care to place three in a row without activating them initially. This allows rodents to get used to it without suspicion. For bait, think about irresistible classics: dried fruits, chocolate, cheese…Position your traps perpendicular to the walls, with the bait side facing the wall – a tip for catching rodents that always run along the walls. When you see them feeding regularly, activate the traps and make sure the bait is well fixed to trigger the spring as soon as it is removed.
If captured, avoid direct contact. Use gloves to handle the dead rodents and the trap, then pack them in a bag to get rid of it before throw in a trash can. The trap can be reusedalways with gloves for hygiene reasons.
FAQ
How do you know if it’s a rat or a dormouse?
Rats have long, bare tails and small ears. Dormouses, on the other hand, have bushy tails, large eyes and gray fur. The rat is more active indoors and at night, while the dormouse prefers attics and hibernates in winter.
FYI
The recommendations proposed in this article do not replace the advice of a pest control expert, who will be able to adapt the solutions to the specific context of the infestation.
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**Interview: Understanding the Rat Population in France with Danièle Odin, Pest Control Expert**
**Editor:** Good evening, Danièle. Thank you for joining us today. With the increased concerns about rodent infestations in urban areas, can you share some insights into the different types of rats found in France?
**Danièle Odin:** Thank you for having me. In France, we primarily encounter two types of rats: the brown rat, also known as the Norwegian rat, and the black rat, or attic rat. The brown rat is larger, averaging between 20 to 27 cm in length, and is commonly found in sewers and landfills, making it quite aggressive and adaptable to urban environments. The black rat is smaller, typically around 15 to 22 cm, preferring higher altitudes like roofs and warehouses.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating, and it sounds like both types have very distinct habitats and behaviors. What can homeowners look out for to detect the presence of these rodents?
**Danièle Odin:** The first sign of a rodent presence is usually droppings, which you can identify easily. Rat droppings are quite distinct, measuring around 1.5 to 2 cm with a tapered shape. If you notice fresh droppings, particularly in areas like the kitchen or kids’ rooms, that’s a clear indicator of a problem. Also, their nocturnal nature means they tend to be more active during the night, so be vigilant in checking hidden corners during those hours.
**Editor:** What about the health risks associated with rat droppings? How cautious should people be?
**Danièle Odin:** Very cautious. Handling rat droppings without proper precautions can expose you to serious diseases, such as leptospirosis and hantavirus. It’s vital to wear gloves and potentially a mask when cleaning up. After removing droppings, thorough disinfection of the area is crucial to eliminate any lingering pathogens.
**Editor:** If someone finds droppings or even a live rat in their home, what steps should they take immediately?
**Danièle Odin:** First, do not panic. It’s important to keep calm. Inspect the area for food sources, as rats are primarily searching for food. Then, clean up any droppings safely using gloves and a disinfectant. It may also be necessary to contact a pest control professional to handle the infestation effectively. Blocking access points and maintaining cleanliness can also deter future incidents.
**Editor:** Thank you for that valuable advice, Danièle. To wrap up, what are some natural ways to deter rats from homes and gardens?
**Danièle Odin:** You can use natural repellents like peppermint or eucalyptus, which rats dislike. Additionally, ensure your surroundings are clean by removing food scraps and waste, sealing potential entry points, and setting traps as needed. Professional assistance can also help create a long-term solution.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time and insights today, Danièle. It’s essential for homeowners to be informed about these challenging pests.
**Danièle Odin:** My pleasure! Awareness is the first step in managing and preventing rodent problems effectively.
