The process of reproduction in brown rats involves polygamy and prolific breeding. Male and female rats can mate as early as three to four months old and throughout the year, with heightened activity during summer.
Females can give birth to up to seven litters per year, each lasting 22 to 24 days. But remarkably, females can become receptive to mating again as soon as 18 hours after giving birth. During this time, they may mate with multiple males, engaging in copulation up to 500 times.
The newborn rats stay in the nest and suckle for about three to four weeks before venturing.
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Effective Solutions for Norway Rat Infestation in Canberra
Norway rats, also known as brown rats, belong to the mouse family and can grow up to 40cm long. They have large bodies with short tails, and males are larger than females. These rodents are commonly found in urban areas, and their average weight ranges from 225g to just over 450g.
Identifying a Brown Rat
Brown rats can be recognised by their short and dense fur that covers their entire body except for their nose, tail, and ears. Their fur colour can vary from grey to brown, but they usually have lighter colouring on their underside.
Norway rats are adaptable creatures when it comes to food and shelter. They are opportunistic feeders and consume various items, including human waste, farm crops, plants, lizards, chicks, and other rodents.
Norway rats typically reside beneath shrubs and sewer systems as burrowing animals. They create complex networks of tunnels, within which they construct nests made from shredded materials. Due to their proximity to human populations, these rats are commonly found in urban areas along the coast.
Norway rats typically live for two to three years in the wild. However, when kept as pets and cared for by humans, their lifespan can increase to four or five years.
Detecting a Brown Rat Infestation
Brown rats can quickly become a problem on your property. Therefore, it’s essential to identify the signs of an infestation and act before it gets worse. Here are some signs to look for:
- Faeces – Brown rat faeces are usually black and shiny, measuring between ¼ to ½ inch long.
- Footprints – You may see footprints and tail marks measuring around 3/4-1 inch and smudge marks from their oily fur on pipes, beams, and support pillars.
- Urine – Their urine glows under ultraviolet light. Look for dry and wet urine stains.
- Gnawing signs – New gnawing marks are rough, while older ones are smooth and greasy.
- Burrows – Brown rat burrows can be found under plant growth or along building foundations and near trash areas.
Dealing with Norway Rats on Your Property
Norway rats reproduce quickly, so detecting and preventing an infestation early is essential. You can keep them out by sealing gaps and openings, repairing leaky pipes to limit water access, storing food in sealed containers and cleaning regularly.
Call Tom’s Pest Control Canberra immediately if you suspect a Norway rat infestation on your property. Our pest control experts have the skills and experience to safely remove these rats from residential and commercial properties using modern techniques and safe products.
Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Day – Contact Us Now
Contact us, and we will discuss your situation and how we can help. Our goal is to help you eliminate pests as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove Norway rats from my property?
Our pest control experts have the skills and experience to safely remove Norway rats from residential and commercial properties using modern techniques and safe products.
Is the removal process safe for my family and pets?
Yes. We use safe products and techniques to ensure the safety of your family and pets during the removal process.
How much does it cost for your Norway rat removal service?
The cost of our service varies depending on the size of the infestation and the specific needs of your property. Contact us for a quote.
