Food sources include garbage in urban areas and cereal or root crops in arable areas. Rattus norvegicus - The Common Rat Main UK rat pest species. Increasingly important in urban areas, this species has adapted readily to environments with close proximity to large human populations. Also problematic when newly introduced on small islands.
Sewers also provide habitat, and access to street level feeding areas, particularly in cities.
Usually involves use of well protected anticoagulant bait. Other means may be used, such as acute baits, or physical control methods.