Editing Rat-catcher (section)

== Techniques ==
[[File:Professional ratcatchers Sydney 1900 Degotardi a147264.jpg|thumb|Professional rat-catchers behind a pile of dead rats, during the outbreak of [[bubonic plague]] in [[Sydney]] in 1900]]

Rat-catchers may attempt to capture rats themselves, or release "[[wikt:ratter|ratters]]", animals trained or naturally skilled at catching them. They may also set a [[rat trap]] or other [[Animal trap|trap]]s.

Modern methods of rat control include [[Animal trap|trap]]s, [[Pest control#Poisoned bait|poisoned bait]], introducing [[Biological pest control|predators]], reducing [[litter]], smoke machines, and clearing of current or potential nest sites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schappi |first=Colin |date=2023-04-12 |title=Rat-Hunting Dogs in Bushwick |url=https://www.curbed.com/2023/04/rat-hunting-dogs-bushwick-nyc.html |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Curbed |language=en}}</ref>

===Ratters===
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{{main|Ratter (dog)}} 
A "ratter" usually refers to a dog used for catching or killing rats. This includes specially-bred [[terrier]]s for vermin-hunting, which may be known as [[rat terrier]]s, although the latter may refer to a breed that was historically developed in [[rat-baiting]].<!--- wikt definition appends "a rat terrier" as a synonym-->

===Conditions and risks===
Rats are rarely seen in the open, preferring to hide in holes, haystacks and dark locations. A rat-catcher's risk of being bitten is high, as is the risk of acquiring a disease from a rat bite.