Rats in the Garden

We had rats, as did several neighbours. They came through the sewers. The branch off the main sewer leading to our houses had a broken cover. Thames Water repaired that at the Council rat man's suggestion. He was very helpful. He put poison in the cellar which was where they got into the house. My son blocked up all the holes he could find in the cellar. The poison outside was in a box that other animals such as cats could not get into. We did get rid of the rats thank goodness.

Is Rats wee dangerous?

Yes, they carry Weil’s disease (Lockjaw). Their bladder apparently has no sphincter muscle so they can dribble pee at any time. Hence why dogs shouldn’t drink out of puddles - according to my mum.

Lockjaw is Tetanus. Weil's disease is Leptospirosis.

They or rather their fleas do still carry the germ that causes bubonic plague! Not likely in our part of the world I admit, but still a good reason for exterminating rats.

Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis) Weil's disease is a form of a bacterial infection also known as Leptospirosis that is carried by animals, most commonly in rats and cattle. It can be caught by humans through contact with rat or cattle urine, most commonly occurring through contaminated fresh water.

So scared now just will not go out into my garden so upset by all of this thinking of moving now.

Sorry Merlot. I stand corrected!