How were rats eliminated on ships? - briefly
Historically, crews relied on ship‑borne cats, iron snap traps, and periodic fumigation with sulfur or arsenic‑based poisons to eradicate rodents. Regular deck cleaning, sealed holds, and strict food‑storage protocols complemented these measures to prevent re‑infestation.
How were rats eliminated on ships? - in detail
Rats posed a persistent threat to maritime vessels, contaminating provisions, damaging timber, and spreading disease. Shipmasters employed a combination of preventive measures and active extermination techniques.
Preventive actions focused on denying rodents shelter and food. Cargo holds were sealed with tarred canvas, and grain was stored in airtight barrels. Decks were swept regularly, and waste was disposed of promptly to eliminate attractants.
When infestations occurred, crews resorted to several direct control methods:
- Traps: Wooden spring‑loaded devices baited with grain or meat captured individual rodents. Traps were placed along walkways, in hatchways, and near food stores.
- Poisons: Early formulations used arsenic‑based powders or copper sulfate mixed with feed. Later centuries introduced rodenticides such as zinc phosphide, applied in limited quantities to avoid contaminating provisions.
- Cats: Cats were taken aboard as living pest controllers. Their presence deterred rats, and they hunted any that ventured onto the ship.
- Fire and smoke: Burning tar, pitch, or sulfur produced smoke that repelled rodents from confined spaces. Small fires were lit in sealed compartments to eradicate hidden colonies.
- Physical removal: Crew members manually chased rats into nets or forced them overboard during night watches.
Long voyages often combined these tactics, rotating traps, replenishing poison, and rotating cat crews to maintain effectiveness. Documentation from the 16th to 19th centuries records that successful rat control reduced spoilage rates and lowered incidences of plague and typhus among sailors.