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Brown Rat

 

Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

 

  

  

  

  

  

Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Brown, heavy-bodied, 6 to 8 inches long, with small eyes and ears and blunt nose. The tail is shorter than the head and body and it's fur is shaggy. They nest in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food and tend to stay in hiding during the day. The brown rat reaches sexual maturity in two months and can breed any month of the year. The litter may number from 8 to 12 and the females can have 4 to 7 litters per year. The brown rat can live as long as one year.

It is now by far the more abundant of the two rat species and is widely distributed in both urban and rural areas. It occurs both indoors and outdoors away from human habitation, and is the species often associated with sewer systems.

Rat Facts

Difficult to control

Rats are instinctively wary of traps and bait, and colonise in attics, burrows, under concrete and porches, in small voids and other hard to reach areas.

Disease

Rats can harbour and transmit a number of serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas, lice and ticks into your business.

Discouraging Rats

  • Food Source removal is a key component for successful rodent control.
  • Garbage and food should be stored in sealed containers.
  • Spilled food and garbage should be cleaned up regularly.
  • Outside debris and vegetation should be eliminated - maintain an uncluttered weed-free perimeter of at least 3 feet around buildings.
  • Eliminate items such as old equipment, boards, pipes or wood piles.
    Trim any tree branches overhanging buildings.
  • Eliminate sources of water such as ditches, stagnant pools and ponds.

Rat Proofing

  • Close all holes in exterior walls
  • Permit no openings over 1/4 inch around doors and windows.
  • Install self closing devices on doors frequently used.
  • Down spouts need a screen on the bottom as well as at the top.
  • Beware of openings near the top of buildings, such as roof vents, eaves, attic vents, overhangs and roof-top air conditioning units.

Control

Successful control of rats requires a close understanding of the pest species, it's biology, lifestyle and habits.

Contact Enserve now for a free survey