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Pest library: common household pests

Norway Rat

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Latin Name:

Rattus norvegicus

Appearance:

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

Habit:

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

Diet:

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

Reproduction:

Reaches sexual maturity in 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.

 

 

Norway Rat Information

Identifying Norway Rats

Norway Wood Rat

Norwegian Water Rat

norway rat

Norway Rat FACTS

Most common rat in the U.S. Limited agility, but excellent swimmer. Carrier of many serious diseases.