June 21, 2000
Reports of hantavirus and plague in Utah have prompted a rash of calls to the Salt Lake City/County Health Department from residents concerned about rats.
The rodents are out in large numbers this year in backyards, even in public parks.
More on the story from Science Specialist Ed Yeates.
"RATS, MORE THAN MICE, WILL TURN IF THE FEEL CORNERED."
Diane Keay with the health department is educating neighbors about rats.
Trent Dunn called because rats have apparently infested a vacant house next to his. In fact, he can hear them moving about at night as they travel through vegetation between the two houses.
TRENT DUNN, RESIDENT: "IT'S NOT THE WIND COMING FROM THE GROUND LEVEL, IT'S RATS RUNNING IN AND OUT OF THEIR ENTRANCE INTO THE VACATED HOUSE."
"TRY TO FIND OUT WHERE THE RATS ARE RUNNING."
Diane is advising residents to get rid of outside food and water sources which may attract rats. Even water in containers, except that which is needed for a dog or cat, or fallen fruit from a tree is an open invitation.
DIANE KEAY, SLC-COUNTY HEALTH DEPT: "IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE AN OPEN GARBAGE CAN. IT CAN BE A VEGETABLE GARDEN, A BIRD FEEDER OR SOMEBODY'S PET FOOD."
Wood piles, debris and broken walls can harbor rodents. So can a hole in a patio deck or under a garage. Even dense bushes will hide a rat burrow. But backyards are not the only refuge.
ED YEATES, SCIENCE SPECIALIST: "TAKE A WALK ALONG THE STREAM BANKS IN THIS PUBLIC PARK A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY AND YOU'LL FIND RAT HOLES ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE."
Take a close look at these kids. Not more than 30 feet away a rat boldly feeds on leftover duck feed. Other rats do the same in burrows lining the stream.
"AS LONG AS PEOPLE ARE GOING TO FEED THE WILDLIFE, THEY CANNOT BE SELECTIVE. YOU CAN'T FEED THE MALLARDS WITHOUT FEEDING THE RATS."
Diane says avoid doing anything - especially this year - which encourages rodents to move in.
