Rats
( Latin Name: Rattus norvegicus )
Appearance:
The Norway rat is a large rodent that may weigh in excess of 500 grams. They can reach lengths of 400 millimeters and their tails alone may measure 187 millimeters in length. The body of the Norway rat is covered in fur that is brown or gray in color. Their ears and tail are covered in scales. Their tail is shorter than head and body. Its fur is shaggy. Droppings are capsule-shaped.
Habit:
Nests in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food. Tends to remain in hiding during the day.
Diet:
Norway rats are omnivorous and feed on a variety of food sources. If given the choice, they will consume meats, fruits, grain and nuts. Dead animals also serve as a food source for these rats and they are capable of catching small fish and rodents. They require water to drink and they make their colony as close to a water source as possible. Norway rats live in communities with one dominant member.
Reproduction:
Reaches sexual maturity in two months and can breed any month of the year. Litter may number from eight to twelve. Females can have four to seven litters per year. Adults live as long as one year.
Norway Rat Information:
Norway rats are prevalent throughout North America. Arriving on ships from Great Britain circa 1775, these rodents quickly spread throughout the American Midwest.
Today, Norway rats thrive in a variety of human habitats. While it is believed that Norway rats originally lived only within temperate forest regions, they are extremely adaptive and now thrive comfortably in densely populated cities. Outside, they can be found burrowing in the soil beneath buildings, in embankments, and near tree roots. Inside, they live in basements, crawlspaces, attics and sewers. They can be carriers of various diseases.
If It Bugs You . . . Bug Me!
Fredericton Pest Control, Saint John Pest Control and Woodstock Pest Control company owner, Bob Durelle, has over 20 years experience in pest control service and the pest prevention industry. He is fully licensed by the Department of Environment and The Department of Natural Resources as a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator.
Durelle Pest Management offers both residential pest control and commercial pest control services and regular monthly contracts for pest prevention. We cover Fredericton, Saint John, Woodstock and the surrounding areas.