Rats

Rats pose a significant health risk to humans and our pets. Common diseases carried by Rats include Salmonella, Weil's Disease, E.coli, Cryptosporidiosis and Tuberculosis.

Rats also carry Fleas, Mites and Ticks and can cause acute allergic reactions.

Appearance

Brown Rat
Brown, heavy-bodied, six to eight inches long, with small eyes and ears and a blunt nose. Its tail is shorter than head and body. Its fur is shaggy. Droppings are capsule-shaped.

Black Rat
Black or brown, seven to 10 inches long, with a long tail, large ears and eyes, and a pointed nose. Body is smaller and sleeker than the Brown Rat. Fur is smooth.

Habitat

Brown Rat
Nests in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food. Tends to remain in hiding during the day.

Black Rat (sewer rat)
Nests inside and under buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood. Excellent climber that can often be found in the upper parts of structures.

Diet

Brown Rat
Omnivorous, but prefers meats. Cannot survive long without water.

Black Rat
Omnivorous, but shows a preference for grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Reproduction

Brown Rat
Reaches sexual maturity at 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.

Black Rat
Becomes sexually mature at four months, producing four to six litters per year that consist of four to eight young each. Lives up to one year.