Rats are not overrunning the Island, Government Pest Control supervisor David Kendell has assured the public, despite increased sightings.

But he urged householders to take an active role in curbing rodent growth which can easily spiral out of control.

He said reports of large numbers of rats appearing in gardens and parks were not evidence of a surge in numbers.

He explained: "Rats are nocturnal animals and people are out at night more in the summer so sightings always increase."

But he warned that rats can reproduce at phenomenal rates.

He explained: "They can have ten litters a year and up to 14 rats in each litter. Once those litters start breeding, then rat families can multiply.

"Rats out of control indicate there is a people problem. Rats want to live right next to food."

Mr. Kendell said rats needed food, shelter and water to live and people could curb rats by removing these things rather than resorting to chemicals which can be counterproductive.

He said: "Owls are the natural predator of rats but if they eat too many poisoned rats they will end up being poisoned."

And he said rats would ignore poison if there was plentiful food nearby.

Animal and pet food should be removed or guarded from rats while garbage should be put in lidded containers rather than left in bags.

Woodpiles and long grass are havens for rats. Householders are advised to seal up areas around pipes, vents and doors to stop rats getting in while open garages are an open invitation to rats.

He said: "If you have trees right next to a roof they will use it as a ladder."

The Public Health Department is promoting glue board and snap traps to curb rodents rather than poison which can lead to rats leaving a smelly hidden corpse.

"People have been known to tear up floorboards to locate the offending carcass and bring some relief."

Cats don't always make good ratters, said Mr. Kendell, and he said that terrier dogs can do a better job.

However a rat-free Bermuda isn't desirable said Mr. Kendell as they help break down waste.

"If the rats weren't here, these things would just hang around."

He said: "I don't think we can ever eradicate rats, we just do our best to control them and we need everybody to help."