The brown rat spread all over the world – with the help of man
The rats found in Washington DC are of the brown rat species, which in Latin is called Rattus norvegicus.
It is 20–26 centimeters long and has a tail that is slightly shorter than the body.
The brown rat originates from Asia, but with the help of humans has spread over large parts of the world.
It is extremely durable and adaptable.
It can spread a number of different diseases to humans, such as salmonella.
The brown rat thrives best in man-made environments, such as sewage systems, landfills, basements and industrial areas. They also thrive in country barns and can also cause major damage to crops.
Sources: The National Encyclopedia and others.
Dog skulls, blood splatter and jaws that snap shut. In a flash, it’s all over. For yet another rat, the party is over, which means one less rodent to feast on the waste in the capital.
Mild winters and the availability of food means that the rats multiply quickly in Washington DC, one of the most rat-rich cities in the United States. The animals are attracted to the bins in connection with the many bars, clubs and restaurants whose outdoor seating was made permanent in connection with the pandemic. In 2022, the number of calls to the city’s rat hotline increased by about 2,000, to 13,400 callers.
The Ratcatcher of Delaware
The growing problem has prompted Washingtonians to organize. The rat catchers also come from other places. One of them is 75-year-old Teddy Moritz, who goes by the nickname “Grandma Death”, from Delaware. She has come traveling with her dogs, her son and her teenage grandson to join the fight.
“This is a good way to limit the number of rats in an environmentally friendly way,” she says.
Use taxis
With a well-aimed kick against a garbage container, Granny Death tricks a rat who quickly darts towards his death. As an old dachshund breeder, she knows what the “walking dogs” are capable of.
The dogs kill the rats with a couple of stabs and then the pests are collected and thrown in the garbage. Over the course of three hours, Grandma Death and her gang collect 30 rats.
With rat poison, it can take up to several agonizing days before the rat dies. In addition, other animals, such as owls and hawks, are at risk. Dogs are a better and more gentle method, Teddy Moritz believes.
— Of course it’s primitive. But effective.