| Rats: Myths vs.
Facts |
Myth: |
Rats in Cambridge can grow as big as cats
and dogs. |
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Fact: |
The
type of rat found in this area is the Norway
rat, which is found in urban areas throughout
the world. A typical adult weighs about ½
pound. The largest one ever found weighed
1 and 1/3 pounds. |
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Myth: |
There are
two rats for every one person in the city. |
|
Fact: |
No city in the
world has documented those kind of numbers.
All available information indicates that the
Boston area is no different than any other
large US city, with about 15 to 40 people
per rat. |
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Myth: |
Some rats live far below ground
and act differently when above ground. |
|
Fact: |
Most rat burrows
are less than 2 feet deep. Locations where
rats are found deeper below ground are primarily
inside sewers. Rats behave in the same manner
whether below or above ground. |
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Myth: |
“Rat Packs” have
been known to migrate miles from construction
projects. |
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Fact: |
Rats usually stay
close to home; they typically go just far
enough to find food and shelter. By working
to eliminate rodents in an area before construction
begins, Cambridge works to prevent the spread
of rodents to other neighborhoods. |
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Myth: |
During any construction project
you can expect to see an increase in rodents. |
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Fact: |
Rodents are generally
not disturbed by routine road and sidewalk
work, but rather by construction that involves
extensive demolition or excavation. The Inspectional
Services Department requires that a rodent
control protocol be established prior to approval
of demolition permits and building permits
involving excavation. All Public Works contracts
that deal with excavation or underground utilities
include rodent control in their specifications.
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Myth: |
Dead rats will be found everywhere
if the City or contractors set poison baits. |
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Fact: |
Very few dead rats
are ever seen after baiting. Rats typically
die in out-of-the-way places, such as burrows.
Most rats live less than 6 months, and although
many die every day in urban areas the landscape
does not become littered with them. |
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