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Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Health Risks

Prevention Tips

Additional Information

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The Brown Rat, also known as the Common Rat or Norway Rat, is a widespread and unwelcome guest in Sri Lanka.

Identification

Physical description: Large, robust rodents with blunt noses, small ears, and thick bodies. Adults can grow up to 40 cm long, with tails shorter than their head and body. Their fur is coarse and brown to greyish-brown on top, with lighter undersides.
Habitat: Brown rats are highly adaptable and live in various environments, both indoors and outdoors. They thrive in burrows near water sources, sewers, drains, garbage dumps, and areas with plentiful food scraps.
Feeding habits: Omnivores with a strong appetite. They eat a variety of things, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, pet food, and garbage. Their strong teeth allow them to gnaw on wood, wires, and other materials.

Behaviour

Life cycle: Brown rats reproduce quickly. Females can have up to 6 litters per year, with each litter containing 5-12 pups. They reach sexual maturity in 3-4 months, contributing to their rapid population growth.
Activity patterns: Primarily nocturnal, but they may be active during the day, especially if food sources are scarce. They are excellent climbers, swimmers, and burrowers, allowing them to access various areas.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: Sightings of live or dead rats. Look for droppings (dark, pellet-shaped), gnaw marks on furniture or wires, and greasy smear marks along walls where rats frequently travel.
Behavioral signs: Scratching noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night. Unusual musty odors, particularly near nesting sites. Evidence of food being eaten or stored by rats.

Health Risks

Brown rats can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine, potentially spreading diseases like:

Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection causing fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches.
Salmonella: Food poisoning causing diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Rat-bite fever: A bacterial infection causing fever, chills, and skin sores.

Prevention Tips

Seal entry points: Caulk cracks and holes around pipes, doors, windows, and foundations.
Store food properly: Keep food in sealed containers, and don’t leave pet food bowls full overnight.
Manage garbage: Keep garbage bins sealed and dispose of garbage regularly.
Eliminate clutter: Reduce hiding places for rats by minimizing clutter inside and outside your home.

Additional Information

Brown rats are intelligent and can adapt to various control methods. A combination of strategies like traps, baits, and exclusion techniques is often most effective.

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