Black Rat, Roof Rat, Tree Rat (Rattus rattus)
PEST NAME : Black Rat, Roof Rat, Tree Rat (Rattus rattus)
SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR : 15 to 22cm body. Tail 18 to 25cm. Sleek and graceful, smaller than Norway rat, 200gms. Snout pointed, ears large and almost naked, eyes large and prominent, tail uniformly dark, fur grey to black smooth and soft.
BIOLOGY : Gestation 21 to 22 days. Litter size 6 to 10. Litters per year 3 to 5. Weaning period 3 to 4 weeks. Maturity 2 to 3 months. Life span 9 to 12 months.
PREFERRED FOODS : Omnivorous mainly fruit nuts, grains and vegetable material. Water 15ml per day.
HABITAT : Lives high up in buildings and excellent climber. Moves adeptly around superstructures and in loft spaces etc.
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