Rats

Rats that infest human structures create a nuisance due to noise, destructive eating and nesting habits, and a potential health threat as the carriers of disease.

Identifying a Rat

Rats are covered with hair, and have long bodies, short legs, and a hairless tail. Their front feet have four toes, while their hind ones have five. A rat’s teeth are comprised of molars and chisel-like incisors, with a gap of space due to an absence of canine teeth. The largest common rat in the United States is the sewer rat, which is usually between seven and nine and a half inches long.

The Damage Rats Can Cause

Approximately 20% of the world’s food supply is lost to rat consumption or contamination. For example, the cotton rat is an agricultural pest that causes damage to crops and invades structures storing plant material.

Rats also pose a great threat as the carriers and spreaders of disease. Depending on the species, a rat may carry the Black Creek Canal Virus, infectious jaundice, rat bite fever, and salmonellosis.

Rats’ Life Cycle

Rats are generally considered to be highly prolific breeders. Depending on the species, a rat can reach sexual maturity at as early as six weeks old.

Female rats gestate their litters internally, giving birth to live young who are then nourished with milk. Although born hairless and blind, young rats are generally independent within one month.

A rat will rarely live beyond one year in the wild.

Rats’ Habits

The majority of rats are nocturnal and active year round. They are generally shy creatures, usually with poor vision. Depending on the species, nests can be found both in upper parts of structures and in the ground.

Some rats, such as the black rat, are excellent runners, jumpers, and are even able to swim.