Rats are one of the most hated creatures around the world. We associate them with dirty situations, disease and human misery. These mammals are related to the porcupine, bilby as well as the squirrel.

Rats spoil food crops, taint stored food, destroy property and are a general pest to humans. The most common rats in Australia are introduced species, with the most well known being the black rat. The black rat has also been known as the roof rat and has been associated with the spread of disease and was responsible for the spread of the bubonic plague in Europe in 1665. The black and brown rats are commonly referred to as old world rats for this reason and are thought to have originated in Asia.

Rats are commensal which means rats and humans have a relationship that is of benefit to the rat, with no benefit to the human. It is estimated that rats destroy 20% of the worlds food including crops and stored foods. Rats are omnivores and will feed on whatever is available including other rats. Rats must be very careful what they eat as they are unable to vomit. This is why rat baits are successful in the eradication of rats.

Rats have short life spans of around one year and can reproduce a litter of up to 12 rats every 3 weeks once they reach sexual maturity at around 10 weeks old. A black rat female and male can be responsible for increasing rat populations up to 50,000 per year based on these numbers. A female rat goes into heat every 4 days and she may eat her litter if she feels unable to care for them.

Rats carry germs with the most common being classical swine fever and foot and mouth disease.  Rats communicate a high pitched squeal which is well outside the human hearing range and we can generally only hear them vocalize a squeak when they are in distress or in pain. Rats advertise their sexual availability by sprays drops of urine in their path in order to attract a mate. Males spray more than females with the female usually spraying urine the night before she goes into heat.

Rats breed all year round. Winter is an especially good time to have a rat treatment as the rats are forced indoors to locate food sources and warm shelter. This could mean that rats in your neighborhood take up residence in your home! Call Hunter United Pest Control on 02 4954 0111 to organise a rat and mouse treatment for your home or business as soon as possible.