6 myths about rats, one of the most widespread creatures on Earth

CBC ^ | 1/13/23 | Jeff Morales

[DallasBiff]

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is one of the most ubiquitous and familiar creatures on the planet — but also perhaps one of the least understood.

According to Kaylee Byers, one of the lead researchers with the Vancouver Rat Project, "In some ways, we know more about life on Mars than how rats navigate life on Earth."

"Rats have long been associated with filth, disease and death," said Bobby Corrigan, a world-renowned rodentologist and New York City's unofficial "rat czar."

[Jamestown1630]

I live in an apartment complex where some units have complained of mice.

Been here 20 years, always with two cats, and never saw a rodent.

[Buttons12]

One time I left a bait of pizza with mushrooms — next day only the mushrooms were gone!

[Paul R.]

6 feral cats...

[Paul R.]

haha - good one!

[SunkenCiv]

:^)

[gundog]

Oh, I’ve gone to war with rats, many times. Every year the storm drains flood them out. Once one gets trap-wise, you have to get creative. Currently, I’m using a live trap. Often I’ll set an unbaited Victor near it, in case the trapped rat brings a visitor. Two or three Victors side by side, set in different orientations can be good, too. I think there are some that will wait for their buddy to trip the trap, and then eat the bait.

Game cameras can be useful in figuring out their tricks, too.

[Clay Moore]

The current bucket trap I use has an aerosol can with an axle from the nozzle straight down to the bottom that makes it a rolling cylinder. This is mounted horizontally right below the rim with a ramp leading to it. You smear some peanut butter on it and they will walk out on it and then it rolls. It has worked well.

[daniel1212]

The city here provided “rat resistant” trash barrels to residents about 3 years ago - at tax payer expense.” They helped yet, almost all I have seen have been chewed thru.

[jcon40]

Ping

[jy8z]

Have a friend and her fridge was ruined by a rat chewing on the fridge cord.

That kind of thinking has earned my son a ton of money. You would not believe how prevalent that kind of thinking is. My son is laughing all the way to the bank.