Synanthropy, according to the dictionary, is the relationship of coexistence or close proximity to human beings, not domestic animals. The term “synanthropic animals” is used to refer to species that have adapted to live together with humans, despite our will, as is the case with pigeons, rats, mosquitoes and even bees.
Considering the disorderly growth of cities, the invasion of green areas and the extension of cities that grow next to each other, we can observe favorable environments for these animals to adapt to living in the urban area. Some synanthropic animals can transmit disease and cause harm to the health of humans and other animals.
Synanthropic animals need four resources for their survival, namely: water, food, access for their survival and shelter. Although water is not a limiting factor in urban areas, we can interfere with other factors. Therefore, it is important to know what serves as food, shelter and access for each species to be controlled, and adopt the necessary preventive measures, maintaining healthier environments and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, which alone will not prevent new infestations.
Rats are nocturnal animals that live mainly in household waste. These synanthropic animals have the ability to metabolize different food classes, and can consume animal and plant products. In addition, they have a keen sense of smell and taste that help them choose their favorite foods.
The main characteristic of this group is the presence of large pairs of incisor teeth that grow constantly, and therefore need to gnaw hard materials to wear out the tooth and control its growth, hence the name “rodent”. Among synanthropic rodents, we can mention three most common species: the mouse, the roof rat and the vole.
Rats act as transmitters of various diseases such as leptospirosis, bubonic plague, bite infection and salmonellosis. The presence of rats in a place can be verified through the following signs: feces, trails, grease stains, gnawing and burrows.
Prevention is possible through the adoption of a set of measures called anti-ratization, which eliminates the four basic factors for the survival of these synanthropic animals. They are: taking care of the garbage, keeping food well stored, inspecting places that can be shelters for these animals, screening or using other methods that prevent their entry.