Rats Pest Control Products from DIY Pest Control
Rats are normally distinguished from mice by their larger size although there are other differences. An adult rat has a body length of between 200 - 270 mm and a tail length of between 150 - 200 mm. The colour varies but generally is brownish-grey on the back and grey underneath.
Recently rats have become a far more potent pest threat, their numbers having increased dramatically over the last 20 years. This is thought to be due to milder winters causing less natural mortality and the sewer populations drastically increasing due to inadequate treatments by Local Authorities and water companies. Houses are therefore far more likely to be affected, both indoors and outside. When indoors, the rats are more likely to affect under floors, in cellars, in cavity walls and in roof voids, than in a living area of the house.
Rats are prolific breeders. A litter comprises of between 6 - 11 young. They are weaned at 3 weeks old and sexually mature at 8 - 12 weeks. The pregnancy (gestation) period is between 21 - 24 days and the female is capable of conceiving as soon as the litter is born and not after the weaning period as is normally the case in most mammals. The life expectancy of a rat is 1 year, although under ideal living conditions, it may be slightly longer.
