neighbours have rats

[LittleMilla]

We live in a city and our neighbours are students. Just found out they've got rats.

Worried about kids first but we've also got a 9mo lab. Rat man coming Mon/Tues apparently.

He's up to date on vaccinations but should I still be worried? We haven't seen any signs in our house but I'm wondering if dog might've kept them away?!? Wishful thinking...?

Thanks

I'm sorry, I don't understand what it is you're worried about?

That the rats will bite your dog?
They might if cornered but generally will scurry away if they see or hear a potential predator.

If you want to discourage rats and mice keep food out of their reach. Don't leave fruit bowls out at night. Take the pets bowls up. Keep the floors and kitchen work top crumb free. Check for anywhere they could possibly get in (Gap around waste pipes or tumble dryer vents) and do your best to seal them.

It might be worth having a word with the pest controllers when they visit your neighbours and ask them any questions you have. I would ask if the rats are going to be poisoned, where that poison will be put and is it possible that a poisoned rat could get into your garden and be a potential hazard for your dog if he were to find it.

This is interesting and may be useful to you as use as a deterrent...

Safer Ways to Get Rid of Rats

There are safer ways to rid your house and yard of rats than using poison. The first thing you can do is to remove all food supplies. If rats can’t find food at your house, they’ll move on. Pick up pet food bowls, especially if your pet eats outside. Don’t leave trash bags outside, since rats are scavengers and won’t mind eating those leftovers.
Once the food supply is gone, you can use the scents of natural predators, like cat urine or fox urine, to chase rats away. If you already have a cat, you can place what you scoop out of the litter box near the rats’ nests. You can also buy fox urine pellets from most gardening stores.
Rats also hate the smell of peppermint, so pick up a bottle of pure peppermint oil. Soak cotton balls or rags in the oil, and place them where the rats live and travel. These natural remedies are safe for you and your pets, and will drive the rats away in a humane way.

That was copied from this website.

The stats are in a city you are never more than 3 meters from a rat. Just on this occasion they are inside a property. The risk is no greater than it was last week.

Thanks for replies. I was just worried in case I'd missed anything. Am also concerned about a poisoned rat coming in to our garden.

The students have been leaving rubbish outside which has attracted them. Aside from dog turd, we have no food anywhere. The joys of a lab

Nothing leads me to believe they're in our house or even garden. Wondered whether he would be helping deter them?

If your DCs are v young best keep them inside till rats are sorted.
A friend's toddler was bitten by a rat and needed antibiotics.
The council had put poison down on waste ground nearby without telling the locals. Poisoned rat had hidden behind plant pot on patio and toddler playing outside prodded it and was bitten on hand.

Also you are right to be worried about your dog finding a poisoned rat. My dog went to the vets with certain symptoms recently and the first line of questioning was whether he could have ingested some rat poison or eaten a poisoned rat. I believe rat poison causes internal bleeding and stops blood clotting so is really dangerous.

I'd definitely keep a close eye on him when in the garden for now.

There is also a new strain of leptospirosis in some parts of the country - there is a new vaccine out for this if it is near you.