What Black Rats originate from India and Southeast Asia, and gradually spread throughout the Asian, European and African continents. Europeans spread black rats to the Americas shortly after their colonization in the late 15th and early 16th century.
How to combat these invasive species:
Remove nesting sites –Remove nesting sites by ensuring yards and gardens and clean and tidy, and there are no piles of debris lying around.
Remove food source – cover any garbage bins with food waste and wrap food waste before putting it into the bin.
Effects on people and the economy:
Black rats have been known to carry diseases such as bubonic plague, and typhus to name a few. Rats are vectors for diseases since they can carry bacteria and viruses in their system which can be transmitted to humans. Apart from the health issues, rats cause significant damage to buildings, wires, and other structures. Because of their need to gnaw on objects to keep their teeth in shape, this may include water pipes, electrical wires, and even cinder blocks.