Monday, October 4, 2010

Save the world: Reduce pests






http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/
The threat of rats, http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2010/06/outdoor-wednesday-volcanic-rock-walls.html

This year, we had not had infestation of rats inside the house. This could be we got rid of them by placing baits the moment we saw traces of them visiting us. My New Zealand friends say the rats will always be here as we have volcanic rocks in the city.

The Department of Conservation carries out extensive baits in public parks because of the threats of rats. In many parks, users are asked to take their rubbish home with them, so they don't leave behind food for the rats.

Rats have a major impact on New Zealand’s wildlife because they eat birds and their eggs and chicks, lizards, and invertebrates. They also eat a wide range of native fruits and other plant material, which puts them in competition with native wildlife for food.

Rats are introduced pests which threaten the long-term survival of native species. They include the kiore (Pacific rat), ship rat (Black rat) and Norway rat.

Ship rats are causing the most damage to our wildlife because they are good climbers, so they are able to get access to most bird nests high in trees. Norway rats are large enough to kill nesting adult seabirds and prey on animals that live, roost or nest close to the ground.

Rats are introduced pests which threaten the long-term survival of native species. They include the kiore (Pacific rat), ship rat (Black rat) and Norway rat.

Kiore,(Pacific rat) introduced by early Maori voyagers, predate rare weta, snails, frogs, lizards, tuatara, birds, eggs and chicks and bats, as well as other insects and the flowers, fruits and seeds of plants.

Ship rats and Norway rats also eat any small animals and plant material, including the adults, eggs and chicks of many rare birds

9 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

Goodness, we have maybe two kind of rats here. Ragular rats and water rats. And people buy them as pets! YES! I know kids who hve pet rats. So you have actually had rats in your home? Yikes!! Did they get on you, or what about when you sleep? It must be horrible!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Goodness, we have maybe two kind of rats here. Ragular rats and water rats. And people buy them as pets! YES! I know kids who hve pet rats. So you have actually had rats in your home? Yikes!! Did they get on you, or what about when you sleep? It must be horrible!!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I just read your comment on my blog, how awful! Is there any season that they don't come inside? You must have nightmares about them...and all your pretty clothes!! To not feel safe in your own home is horrible, it is supposed to be your refuge. Do they bite anyone, or do they run from people?

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Yikes Ann, I would be so scared. And Ginny is right...people here buy them as pets. How gross is that. Please take gentle care of yourself. I read your comment on my blog...about the loss of your mom and baby. Life hurts so much at times. Stay strong okay. Sarah

Reader Wil said...

Terrible! I hate rats. We had them in Indonesia too, but snakes are natural enemies of rats, so they kept the rat population in balance I think.
Thanks for your visit. I was in Australia two years ago and I used to go every year. Last year I didn't go because my daughter wanted to come, but instead she came this year, which was great!

Rune Eide said...

Rattus norvegicus has a lot of names: brown rat, common rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Brown Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat. It is a large rat and most known for having carried the flea that spread the pest The Black Death around 1347-50. We got it from England...

Pete said...

Not easy to get rid of rats. They are smart animals.

Nicole said...

Eeekkkk, I totally dislike rats :-(
Wish there was a solution that doesn't need poison though. Such a nasty death :-(

Taking trash home with them. Fat chance of trying that here in Kuwait.
They don't even put their trash in the bins :-(

Best wishes!

Zacchaeus said...
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