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Rats infest Saskatchewan city
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SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. - After killing 38 rats with poison and traps since June, motel owner Ike Reimer is fed up and taking no chances.
He now patrols the area near his Safari Inn armed with a can of bear spray in case he comes face-to-face with any more of the rodents that have been invading the southwestern Saskatchewan community.
Reimer and other people want the City of Swift Current to hire more professional rat catchers and come up with government-run and financed plan to keep the varmints in check.
"We are finding them dead here and there," Reimer said Thursday.
"We are all trying to do a little bit, but it is not enough. No one is sure where they are coming from."
The city's uncharacteristic rat problem has prompted the Cypress Health Region to issue a special rat advisory.
People are being warned that the Norway rats pose a health hazard and can spread bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause infections such as salmonella and rat-bite fever. Hanta virus is also a concern.
"The Cypress Health Region Health Department has received several calls regarding rats that are infesting the City of Swift Current," says the advisory.
"The calls range from rat sightings to bites in people's own beds."
Residents have also been warned that rats love to gnaw electrical cables in vehicles and buildings and can contaminate food.
The city has been aware of the growing problem since June, but has been taking a low-key approach. It posted a message on its website urging residents to report rat sitings and emphasized that controlling rats is not the municipal government's specific responsibility.
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Anyone up for the job? I can't imagine why there would be such a large infestation unless there is a food shortage.
Article Link
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. - After killing 38 rats with poison and traps since June, motel owner Ike Reimer is fed up and taking no chances.
He now patrols the area near his Safari Inn armed with a can of bear spray in case he comes face-to-face with any more of the rodents that have been invading the southwestern Saskatchewan community.
Reimer and other people want the City of Swift Current to hire more professional rat catchers and come up with government-run and financed plan to keep the varmints in check.
"We are finding them dead here and there," Reimer said Thursday.
"We are all trying to do a little bit, but it is not enough. No one is sure where they are coming from."
The city's uncharacteristic rat problem has prompted the Cypress Health Region to issue a special rat advisory.
People are being warned that the Norway rats pose a health hazard and can spread bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause infections such as salmonella and rat-bite fever. Hanta virus is also a concern.
"The Cypress Health Region Health Department has received several calls regarding rats that are infesting the City of Swift Current," says the advisory.
"The calls range from rat sightings to bites in people's own beds."
Residents have also been warned that rats love to gnaw electrical cables in vehicles and buildings and can contaminate food.
The city has been aware of the growing problem since June, but has been taking a low-key approach. It posted a message on its website urging residents to report rat sitings and emphasized that controlling rats is not the municipal government's specific responsibility.
More on link
Anyone up for the job? I can't imagine why there would be such a large infestation unless there is a food shortage.