Rats
Overview
"True rats" are members of the genus Rattus, the most important of which to humans are the black rat, Rattus rattus, and the
brown rat, Rattus norvegicus. Rats are distinguished from mice by their size; rats generally have bodies longer than 12 cm
(5 inches).
In years gone by, the black rat was the only rat native to Britain. However, brown rats were imported on ships, and displaced the
smaller black rats. Now, only small pockets of black rats survive, in dock areas like Tilbury, and Liverpool.
Most people consider rats to be pests or vermin. They can be very destructive to crops and property. Breeding quickly, rats can
soon overpopulate their local habitat,if they have no predators, such as in certain cities. With their bright adaptable behaviour,
and their breeding potential, controlling rat populations remains a challenge.
Rats have a significant impact on food production. Estimates vary, but it is likely that about one-fifth of the world's total food output
is eaten, spoiled or destroyed by rats. Rats can carry over thirty different diseases dangerous to humans, including Weil's
disease, typhus, e. coli, salmonella and bubonic plague.
Click on the links to the left to find out more on individual UK species.
</i> is most often sighted on roofs. Pipes, cables and beams offer means of distribution to this agile mammal which can jump over a meter in height from standing start.<p>Sometimes called the "Ship Rat" for its habit of infesting seagoing vessels.<p><h3>Biology</h3><p>Female gives birth to 6 - 10 live young, which grow to sexual maturity within 2 - 3 months. Adult rats live for 9 - 12 months.<p>Black Rats have excellent senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing. They have poor vision. Agile, and active climber, with prehensile tail. Omnivorous, with a preference for fruit, nuts, grains and vegetables. Usually eats 25 - 28g per day, and needs to drink water.<p><h3>Distribution</h3><p>Restricted in modern times in the UK to only a few areas, including Tilbury, the Port of London & Liverpool. Historically associated with shipping, this species is decreasingly prominent in the UK.<p><h3>Significance</h3><p>Greatly decreased in western Europe in modern times. This is most likely due to competition from increasing populations of R. norvegicus which has been increasing its distribution over the same period.<p><h3>Control</h3><p>Control is often difficult to attain. A planned survey and night inspection will reveal areas of infestation. These should then be treated with fruit based baiting techniques and contact rodenticides.','success')){kind=link}
</i> is most often sighted on the ground, hiding in pipe duct-works, sewers etc. Brown Rats are not very proficient climbers.<p>It is often said that if you are in a city, you are never more than ten feet from a rat!<p><h3>Biology</h3><p>Female gives birth to 8 - 12 live young, which grow to sexual maturity within 2 - 3 months. Adult rats live for 9 - 12 months, and can have up to 3 litters per year.<p>Brown rats possess excellent senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing. Brown Rats have poor vision. Active burrowers and very strong swimmers. Brown Rats are wary of new objects (Neophobia). Food sources include garbage in urban areas and cereal or root crops in arable areas.<p><h3>Distribution</h3><p>Main UK rat pest species. Increasingly important in urban areas, this species has adapted readily to environments with close proximity to large human populations. Also problematic when newly introduced on small islands.<p><h3>Significance</h3><p>Spreads contagion & disease. Principal vector of Leptospirosis (Weils Disease). Causes damage by chewing, and can consume and contaminate food destined for human consumption.<p><h3>Control</h3><p>A planned survey and night inspection will reveal areas of infestation. Usually involves use of well protected anticoagulant bait. Other means may be used, such as acute baits, or physical control methods. Monitoring is also critical for successful management of common rat populations.','success')){kind=link}