Handling the Plague and Contamination
Plague Sources
Black Death Spawn Egg spawns the plague-carrying mob. Black Death Mask and Black Death Scythe are plague-themed equipment. Contaminated Food and Diseased Garbage spread sickness to rats and players nearby.
Filth and Ball of Filth accumulate from rat activity. Left unchecked, Garbage Pile and Compressed Garbage blocks build up and attract pests. Diseased Garbage is the contaminated variant — remove it promptly.
Cleaning Up
Break Garbage Pile, Compressed Garbage, Filth, and Diseased Garbage blocks to clear contamination. Use a Dye Sponge to absorb stains. Bundle of Sweet-Smelling Herbs counters plague effects when held or placed.
Equip an Exterminator Hat on a tamed rat to have it attack hostile plague mobs automatically. Charged Creeper Chunk and Charged Ratbot Barrel are explosive cleanup tools for large contaminated areas.
Keep Cheese stocked so your rats stay healthy and productive. Isolate sick rats in a Decorated Rat Cage away from your breeding pair. Cauldron of Milk and Cauldron of Cheese provide safe food that does not carry contamination.