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Brown Rat
Also known as common or sewer rats. The life expectancy of a wild rat is approx 10-14 months. During this time a female can breed 5 to 7 times with litter sizes between 6 and 12 young each time. Breeding occurs all year round and it is possible for a breeding pair to be responsible for up to 800 young.
They are excellent climbers and are well known for their ability to swim very well.
They tend to stay within a home range of about 15 to 30 metres but if there is a shortage of a regular food source they are prepared to travel up to 1km.
They are known to carry certain diseases such as Weils , Salmonella and rat bite fever. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts in the skin and also through contact with contaminated water.
Rats are primarily nocturnal but may be active during daylight hours when the population is high. They will eat nearly any type of food such as cereal, grains, meats, fish and nuts. Food items from household rubbish offer a balanced diet and usually satisfies their moisture needs. Rats have poor eyesight and depend on hearing and their excellent sense of smell.
