Brown rat runs under a deck - stock photo

They are opportune scavengers and will take advantage of rubbish left out for collection. There numbers will increase if there is a plentiful supply due to build ups of rubbish due to industrial disputes involving local government collections. Brown Rats carry many nasty diseases which they can spread to humans, normally through their urine. including; Leptospirosis or Weil's disease, Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii and Hantavirus. Brown Rats can inflict a great amount of structural damage. Rats feed on grain and may be attracted to your garden by fallen food from bird feeders. Stop feeding birds if you suspect rats are visiting your garden and secure chicken runs. Store bird and other animal food in secure containers.