The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-02-20
RATS ARE SAID TO
BE PARASITES AND
SHOULD BE KILLED

sRattus norvegious." "rattus rattus
rattus" am "rattus alexandrinus, ate
the scientific names OF three species OF
imported rats which now infest the
United States. In addition there is the
common house mouse. OF tnese the
first named, or brown rat, Is the one
which is at present creating the most
destruction. on account OF It's greater
numbers. The brown rat makes its
hcme in the open, field, the hedge row,
and the river bank, as well as in stone
walls, piers and all kinds Of buildings,
according 10 bulletin No. Ss6, the de-
partinent OF agriculture "lt destroys
grains when newly planted, while
growing ami in the shock, stack, NOV,
crib, granary. elevator or SHIPS hold,
and also in the bin and feed trough
II invades store and warehouse and
destroys furs, laces, silks. carpets,
leather goods, ana groceries. II at
tacks fruits, vegetables, and meats
in the markets, and destroys by pol
luton ten times as much as 1t actually
eats. 1t destroys eggs and young poul-
try, and eats the eggs of game and
song birds. It carries disease germs
from house to house and bubonic
i'pleague from city TO city 1t causes
disastrous conflagrations; floods houses
by knawing lead water pipes; ruins
artificial ponds and embankments by
burrowine; and damages foundations.
floors, doors and furnishings OF dwell.
ings. They are parasites, with
out redeeming characteristics, and
should everywhere be routed and de.
stroyed
On several occasions attempts have
been made .in Carter county TO get
rid OF the rats, but there has been
no concerted effort along that line.
and until well organized endeavor
| Is put into action, rats will continue
TO infest our buildings and fields in
increasing numbers. The first step is
to reduce the rat population by trap
ping, person, etc. The ne.- step Is
TO do away with places that harbor
rats.
In towns and cities, trapping is to
be recommended in preference TO pois-
oning fer several reasons. Poisoned
rats will die near where they took
the poisoned bait, and if they occur
In large numbers the o1or OF the de.
caying bodies makes the method I'M
practicable in or near occupied houses
Trapping is the proper method in towr
and as in trapping any other animal
q great deal of care must be exercised
in batting and placing the traps. II
guillotine trays are used quite c
number should be provided and sons
thought given 10 bait. Bait with some
thing the rat likes, and if possible
something which is not common in tht
location. For instance in a corn Grill
corn would not be a very attractive
bait for the trap, while in place
where no grain was kept corn wollC
be very attractive. Raw meat is q goo;
bait, at this time Of year fresh vegst
ables are good and toasted cheese al
ways attracts.
, Cage traps are good, but are sal,
TO not be as effective as the othe
traps. Barrels and boxes, with tilt
ing covers are good and enormous
catches have been reported from them
galvanized tub, partly filled will
: water over which is sprinkled
liberal coating OF cotton seed is eff
fective if the tub be sunk in tn
ground or In hay or other materia
so that rats can get easy access.
Whatever the method used the i'm
portant thing to keep in mimi /
that during the month of March ex
ira efforts will be made Throughout
the county 10 destroy the rats. an
! every encouragement possible will b
given 10 schools, clubs. boy scou
, possible,