Rattus rattus – also known as the Black Rat. This rat is smaller and less aggressive than the Norway. It spends 90% of its life above ground, usually in trees, on power lines, and in attics of homes and buildings. Many aspects of its biology are similar to the Norway. They reproduce very quickly, they are nocturnal, they have poor vision, and a great sense of balance. They primarily eat grains and cereals, as well as fruits, nuts, and pretty much anything, if need be. Where they cohabitate, the Norways are more dominant, and often wipe out the Roof Rats. However, sometimes Norways will live under a house or at ground level, while the Roof rats live in the attic.
Rattus norvegicus – also known as the Brown Rat or Common Rat. This rat is the larger of the two, and prefers to live at ground level. This rat can measure up to ten inches with a ten inch tail, and males can reach up to 1.5 pounds. They are not good climbers, but can dig well. They have poor vision, but an excellent sense of smell. A female Norway Rat can breed year-round, and produce up to five litters of young per year. Each of these litters averages 5-10 members. The gestation is only 3-4 weeks, and the young are sexually mature in only 3-4 months. For these reasons, rat populations, like that of many rodents, can quickly proliferate. However, rats usually don’t last long in the wild, rarely more than a single year, due to heavy predation and competition from other rats.
Call Chicago’s Green Trappers if you suspect a rat or mouse infestation. We will provide your home or business with a free inspection to identify the problem and explain exactly how we will make sure you never have a rat or mouse problem again. As with any critter, breeding is a concern that should ensure you promptly resolve any mouse or rat problems.
Our entire rat proofing is preceded by the trapping of all rats sealed inside your attic, crawl space or home and removal of them once caught. Rat trapping isn’t simply setting traps down. Positioning of traps is vital for a success in winning this battle. Being sure traps are set in the rat’s path and in the direction of travel. Identifying the direction of the path of travel is important and often only identifiable by a trained technician. When baiting the snap traps be sure not to contaminate bait with human scent. Doing so might render the snap trap useless. Rats are cautious when the scent of humans is near and if contaminated they might not approach it. When removing dead rats be cautious, wear appropriate intact rubber or plastic gloves. As it is well documented that rats carry many infectious diseases: Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), Maurine typhus, Rat-bite fever (RBF) Leptospirosis.
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