Pest Information

Rats

Rodent Identification Guide

Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus

APPEARANCE

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

HABITS

Nest in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food; tend to remain in hiding during the day.

DIET

Omnivorous, but prefer meats; cannot survive long without water.

REPRODUCTION

Reaches sexual maturity in two months; 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.

OTHER INFORMATION

Most common rat in Australia.; limited agility, but excellent swimmer; carrier of many serious diseases.

Rodent Identification Guide

Roof Rat Rattus rattus

APPEARANCE

Black or brown, seven to 250mm long, with a long tail and large ears and eyes, with a pointed nose; body is smaller and sleeker than Norway rat; fur is smooth.

HABITS

Nests inside and under buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood; excellent climber; can often be found in the upper parts of structures.

DIET

Omnivorous, but show a preference for grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.

REPRODUCTION

Becomes sexually mature at four months; four to six litters per year; four to eight young per litter; live up to one year.

OTHER INFORMATION

Very agile; can squeeze through openings only 12mm wide; carry many serious diseases.