Rats

Biology

Rats are a part of the rodent group, which includes squirrels, chipmunks, guinea pigs and more. While there are various rodent types, there are also several types of rats. Typically rats are distinguished by their size.

Norway rats have many genetic, reproductive, developmental, morphological and anatomical differences. The list below is not exhaustive, but for those with a casual interest it should get you started:

• Growth differences: In general, Norway rats develop more slowly than house mice. For example, Norway rat gestation is slightly longer (21-24 days) than house mouse gestation (19-20 days). Norway rats lactate for about 3 weeks, house mice for 2 weeks. Both species are born naked and blind, but Norway rats open their eyes at 6 days, they are fully furred at 15 days. House mice open their eyes at 3 days, have fur at 10 days (etc.).

• Anatomical differences: Norway rats have 6 pairs of nipples, house mice have 5 pairs.

Feeding Preferences

Norway Rats eat many different of types of food but they prefer proteins and carbohydrates. Food from house-hold garbage cans often provide them with a plentiful diet. They eat meats, fish, cereals, livestock feed and fruits. Norway rats living outside may feed outside or enter buildings daily for food. They will then return to their outside burrows once they are done eating. These rats are also capable of killing and eating small reptiles, mammals, birds and insects.

Unlike mice, rats need water to survive. They require water daily if they feed on dry foods. When they live in and around buildings, they will get their water from toilets, sinks, and condensation.

Transmitted Diseases

Rodents, such as rats are associated with a number of health risks. In fact, rats are known to spread more than 35 diseases. These diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of live or dead rodents, through contact with rodent feces, urine, or saliva, and through rodent bites. Diseases carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through fleas, ticks, or mites that have fed on an infected rodent.

Habits

Norway rats nest on the ground and often dig their burrows in gardens and along foundations. They often enter homes through small cracks and holes in crawl spaces, slabs, foundations of homes. Once they get inside, they prefer to nest in kitchens and bathrooms. Both rats and mice are prolific breeders. This is due to their short gestation periods and large litters. Rats often live as many as three years.

This information is taken from the NPMA Field Guide to Structural Pests – Authors Eric H. Smith and Richard C. Whitman

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