What are rats on a ship called? - briefly
The rodent typically found on board is called the ship rat, also known as the black rat (Rattus rattus). It differs from the Norway rat, which primarily occupies terrestrial settings.
What are rats on a ship called? - in detail
Rats that inhabit a vessel are commonly referred to as ship rats, also known as ship’s rats or sea rats. The term distinguishes them from land‑based rodents and emphasizes their association with maritime environments.
Historically, ship rats have been mentioned in naval logs, sailors’ journals, and maritime law. Early records from the Age of Exploration describe crews battling infestations that threatened food stores and cargo. Legal codes, such as the British Merchant Shipping Act of the 19th century, required captains to maintain a rat‑free hold, reflecting the recognized danger to provisions and hull integrity.
Two species dominate seafaring infestations:
- Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) – larger, robust, prefers lower decks and cargo holds.
- Roof rat (Rattus rattus) – slimmer, agile, occupies higher decks and rigging.
Both species thrive on shipboard conditions: abundant food scraps, hidden crevices, and limited predator presence. Their activities cause:
- Consumption and contamination of provisions.
- Damage to ropes, canvas, and wooden structures through gnawing.
- Transmission of pathogens such as leptospirosis and hantavirus.
Control measures employed on modern vessels include:
- Sanitation – regular removal of waste, sealed storage of food, and cleaning of deck areas.
- Physical barriers – sealing entry points, installing metal mesh on ventilation ducts.
- Trapping – placement of snap traps or live‑catch traps in known pathways.
- Chemical deterrents – use of rodenticides approved for maritime use, applied with caution to avoid contaminating supplies.
- Integrated pest management – combination of the above methods, monitored by periodic inspections.
Naval and commercial fleets often assign a designated “rat watch” officer responsible for monitoring signs of activity, documenting captures, and ensuring compliance with international standards such as the International Maritime Organization’s guidelines on ship hygiene.
Understanding the terminology, species characteristics, and mitigation strategies provides a comprehensive view of the rodent challenge faced by seafarers throughout history and in contemporary shipping operations.