20% off all insect jobs this spring and summer!

Country Pest Solutions Ltd
  • Home
  • About us
  • Pests we cover
    • Brown Rat
    • House Mouse
    • Field Mouse
    • Grey Squirrel
    • Mole
    • Birds
    • Wasps
    • Hornets
    • Bee's
    • Flies
    • Ants
    • Cockroach
    • Flea
    • Bedbug
    • Store Product Insect
    • Agricultural Pests
  • Our Services
    • Domestic Pest Control
    • Commercial Pest Control
    • Agricultural Pest Control
  • Area coverage
  • FAQ
  • Friends of ours........
    • Crafty Bees
    • Manchester Honey Company
    • Norgas
  • Privacy Policy
  • Our Blog
  • More
    • Home
    • About us
    • Pests we cover
      • Brown Rat
      • House Mouse
      • Field Mouse
      • Grey Squirrel
      • Mole
      • Birds
      • Wasps
      • Hornets
      • Bee's
      • Flies
      • Ants
      • Cockroach
      • Flea
      • Bedbug
      • Store Product Insect
      • Agricultural Pests
    • Our Services
      • Domestic Pest Control
      • Commercial Pest Control
      • Agricultural Pest Control
    • Area coverage
    • FAQ
    • Friends of ours........
      • Crafty Bees
      • Manchester Honey Company
      • Norgas
    • Privacy Policy
    • Our Blog
Country Pest Solutions Ltd
  • Home
  • About us
  • Pests we cover
    • Brown Rat
    • House Mouse
    • Field Mouse
    • Grey Squirrel
    • Mole
    • Birds
    • Wasps
    • Hornets
    • Bee's
    • Flies
    • Ants
    • Cockroach
    • Flea
    • Bedbug
    • Store Product Insect
    • Agricultural Pests
  • Our Services
    • Domestic Pest Control
    • Commercial Pest Control
    • Agricultural Pest Control
  • Area coverage
  • FAQ
  • Friends of ours........
    • Crafty Bees
    • Manchester Honey Company
    • Norgas
  • Privacy Policy
  • Our Blog

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the Norway rat or common rat, is one of the most widespread and adaptable rodent species in the world. Originating from northern China, this species has successfully colonized nearly every corner of the globe, often thriving in close association with human settlements.


Physical Characteristics


Brown rats are robust rodents with a heavy, thickset body and a blunt nose. They typically measure between 8 to 10 inches in body length, with an additional tail length of 7 to 10 inches. Their fur is coarse and primarily brown or grey on the back and lighter on the underside. Their ears and tail are noticeably scaly and sparsely furred.


Behaviour and Ecology


Brown rats are highly adaptable and omnivorous, consuming a wide variety of foods, although they prefer grains and seeds. They are primarily nocturnal creatures, displaying high levels of activity during the night. Known for their impressive burrowing ability, brown rats construct extensive underground networks where they live in colonies. They are also proficient swimmers and climbers, which aids in their ability to invade diverse environments.


Reproduction


Brown rats have a remarkable reproductive rate. Females can become sexually mature as early as five weeks old and are capable of producing up to 12 litters per year, with each litter containing 6 to 12 pups. This rapid reproduction contributes to their ability to swiftly colonise new areas and maintain high population densities.


Interaction with Humans


Often considered pests, brown rats can cause significant damage to crops, food stores, and infrastructure due to their gnawing habits. They are also vectors for various diseases, such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus, posing a public health risk. Despite their negative impacts, they have also contributed to scientific research, especially as the primary species used in laboratory experiments due to their physiological and genetic similarities to humans.


Habitat


Brown rats are highly versatile in their habitat preferences. They are commonly found in urban environments, such as sewers, basements, and alleyways, but they also inhabit rural areas, living in fields, farms, and forests. Their adaptability to different environments is a key factor in their global distribution.


  • Privacy Policy

Country Pest Solutions Limited

Company registration: 15686077

Tel: 01744382482 Mob: 07935550169

Copyright © 2024 Country Pest Solutions Limited - All Rights Reserved.

"Never under estimate the power of pests"

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept

Does your business need pest control?

Unbeatable Commercial Pest Control Prices!

At Country Pest Solutions, we guarantee the best commercial prices — we won’t be beaten on price!  

✔ Expert Commercial Pest Management
✔ Current Prices & Quotes Beaten
✔ Fast, Effective & Discreet Service  

Get the most competitive rates and top-quality pest control for your business today!  

Call us now for a free quote!

Contact us