Rats

What Are Rats?

Rats are medium-sized rodents known for their adaptability, intelligence, and ability to live in close association with humans. Belonging to the genus Rattus, the two most common species that cause problems in homes and businesses are the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus)—also called the brown rat or sewer rat—and the roof rat (Rattus rattus), also known as the black rat or ship rat.

Rats are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals, and they’re opportunistic feeders that thrive on food waste, pet food, grains, and garbage. Their bodies are typically 6–9 inches long, with tails that can be nearly as long as their bodies. They have sharp incisors that grow continuously, so they gnaw on wood, wires, plastic, and even metal to keep their teeth worn down—behavior that often leads to property damage and fire hazards.

Rats are highly social and nocturnal, living in colonies that communicate through sounds, scents, and body language. They reproduce quickly—a single pair can produce dozens of offspring in a year—which makes infestations difficult to control once established.

Beyond the nuisance, rats pose serious health risks. They can spread diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus, and they often carry fleas, mites, and ticks that can transmit illnesses to humans and pets.

Because of their intelligence and wariness of new objects, rats can be challenging to trap or poison effectively. Successful control requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion (sealing entry points), and strategic trapping or baiting—often best handled by professional pest control services.

Learn more: What Do Rats Look Like?

Learn more: Rats vs Mice

Learn more: What Do Rats Eat?

Learn more: What Do Rat Droppings Look Like?

Where Are Rats Found?

Rats are highly adaptable rodents, and they can be found in a wide range of environments around the world. Here are some common places where you might encounter rats:

• Urban Areas: Rats are frequently found in cities and towns. They are often associated with urban environments, living in sewers, alleys, and buildings. They may nest in abandoned buildings, basements, and hidden spaces within homes and commercial properties.
• Rural Areas: Rats are not limited to urban settings; they can also be found in rural areas, especially around farms, barns, and grain storage facilities. Fields, crop storage areas, and rural outbuildings provide suitable habitats for rats.
• Garbage Dumps and Landfills: Rats are attracted to areas with a ready supply of food, making garbage dumps and landfills prime locations for them.
• Sewers and Drainage Systems: Rats are known for inhabiting sewer systems. They use these networks to move about and find food sources.
• Restaurants and Food Service Establishments: Places that prepare or serve food can be vulnerable to rat infestations. Rats are drawn to kitchens and food storage areas.
• Residential Areas: Rats can be found in residential neighborhoods, particularly if there are conducive conditions like open food sources, clutter, or unsealed entry points into homes.
• Parks and Gardens: Rat populations can also thrive in green spaces, parks, and gardens where they can find shelter and food.
• Warehouses and Storage Facilities: These sites can offer rats shelter and a wealth of food in the form of stored goods.
• Construction Sites: Rats may move into construction areas where they can take advantage of shelter provided by debris and access to food.
• Public Transportation: Rats can be found in subway and train stations, as well as in and around bus stops, where they may scavenge for food.
• Waterfront Areas: Coastal cities often have issues with rats near waterfronts. Rats can access ships, wharves, and warehouses in these areas.
• Natural Habitats: In the wild, rats can be found in various natural environments, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Rat populations can become a problem when they infest homes, businesses, or areas with high human activity. They are opportunistic feeders and breed prolifically, so it's essential to take preventive measures, maintain proper sanitation, and employ rat control methods if you have concerns about rat infestations. Rats can carry diseases and cause damage, making it crucial to address any rat-related issues promptly.

Learn more: What Attracts Rats?

Learn more: Rat Infestations

Rat Life Cycle

The life cycle of rats, like other rodents, is characterized by a relatively short lifespan and rapid reproduction. It consists of several distinct stages, including birth, growth, and reproduction. Here is a comprehensive overview of the life cycle of rats:

• Gestation (Pregnancy): The life cycle begins when a female rat, also known as a doe, becomes pregnant. The gestation period for rats is relatively short, typically lasting about 21 to 23 days.
• Birth: Rats give birth to litters, and the number of pups in a litter can vary but often ranges from 6 to 12, depending on the rat species and environmental factors.
• Infancy: Newborn rats, known as pups, are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mother for care and nourishment. The mother rat, or dam, nurses her pups, providing them with milk for about three to four weeks. During this period, the pups grow rapidly, and their fur starts to develop. Their eyes open at around two weeks of age, and they begin to explore their surroundings.
• Weaning: At around 3 to 4 weeks of age, the pups are weaned from their mother's milk and start consuming solid food. They also learn important social and survival skills during this time.
• Adolescence: After weaning, the young rats enter the adolescent stage. They continue to grow and develop, and their fur becomes more like that of adult rats. Rats are sexually mature early, with males often reaching sexual maturity at 2 to 3 months and females at 2 to 5 months, depending on factors like species and environmental conditions.
• Adulthood: Adult rats have a typical lifespan of 1 to 3 years, although this can vary depending on factors such as species, health, and environmental conditions. In the wild, many rats face various threats, including predators, diseases, and competition for resources.
• Reproduction: Rats have the potential to reproduce quickly and frequently. Once they reach sexual maturity, they can mate and produce litters every few weeks. This rapid reproductive capability is one of the reasons for the high populations of rats in some areas.

The life cycle of rats is characterized by their ability to reproduce rapidly and their relatively short lifespan. This adaptability and reproductive capability contribute to their success in a variety of environments and their status as common pests in urban and rural areas.