The Norway rat (Rattus Norvegicus) has committed innumerable assaults through millions of insidiously cryptic infestations. Mass attacks cause significantly reduced public heath, as well as substantial damage to food commodities and structures.
Description: Generally brown pelage, small eyes, a rounded snout and a robust body weighing approximately 18 oz. and measuring 8 to 10 in. The tail measures 6 to 8 in.
Life Cycle: Survives 9 to 18 months, producing approximately seven litters annually (eight to 10 pups each, or 56 to 70 offspring).
Abilities: Able to squeeze through half-inch openings, rats are proficient at gnawing through hard materials such as lead sheathing, cinder block, poorly cured concrete, aluminum siding and glass. Can climb effectively and jump as high as 3 ft. Can survive drops from 50 ft. Can swim as far as a half-mile in open water, tread water for as many as three days and negotiate sewer lines against substantial currents.
Habitat: Commensally near available water and food within and around structures and urban sewer systems. Underground burrows are excavated and lived in near exploited areas.
Food: Requires a daily intake of about 1 oz. of water. Exploits almost any human food source, whether consumable or waste. Cereals are a substantial part of the diet.
Range: Anywhere.
Significance: Norway rats have resisted all attempts toward eradication. These omnivorous animals possess high-end fecundity, acute sensory abilities (touch, hearing, smell and taste), amazing physical agility and astonishing adaptability. Rats cause human misery and financial loss.
Dr. Mitchell, D.O., Ph.D., M.P.H., B.C.E., a board-certified physician and entomologist, is principal technical specialist for PestWest Environmental, as well as PMP’s Technical Editor. He can be reached at docmitchell@northcoastmedia.net or 515-333-8923.
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