Thirsty rats invade Swift Current, Sask.

The southwestern Saskatchewan community of Swift Currentis grappling with an influx of thirstyrats.

Residents say that for the past two months, there's been a flood of the furry rodents, with numerous sightings around businesses and homes.

The Living Sky Casino has told guards to watch out for rats making a dash for the entrances.

The infestation has been keeping Kim Selanders of Orkin Pest Controlverybusy.

Homeowners need to keep their yards clean sothere's no place for the rodents to build their nests, he said.

While rat numbers are higher than usual, there's no cause for people to be alarmed, he said.

"Concerned, yes. Worried, no. As long as they keep their properties clean and don't give the rats any reason to be there," he said. "They might see them, there's no way they'll stay."

Selanders said with the recent dry weather in the southwest, rats have been attracted by the Swift Current Creek.

"Rats need a large supply of fresh water, and I'm sure that that's why they were on the move," he said.

The problem appears to have been improving over the past two weeks, he said.

Swift Current is about 245 kilometres west of Regina.