The black rat is a slender rodent distinguished by its long tail and dark fur. Originating in Southeast Asia, the black rat is adapted to dry, warm temperatures. This allows it to survive long periods of drought and it prefers dry habitats. It is frequently found in attics, barns, and warehouses.
Black rat (Rattus rattus)
- Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
- Phylum: Chordates (Chordata)
- Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
- Order: Rodents (Rodentia)
- Family: Mouse-like (Muridae)
- Genus: Rat (Rattus)
- Species: Black rat (Rattus rattus)
Size:
- Head-body length: 16 – 24 cm
- Tail length: 17 - 28 cm
- Weight: 75 - 250 g
Look:
- Coat color: Light to dark grey, significantly lighter on the underside
- Tail: Thin and longer than the body
- Ears: Relatively large, but hairless ears
- Snout: Pointed
Life cycle:
- Reproduction: Possible from 40-50 days of age, all year round.
- Gestation period: ~21 days
- Litter size: 5 - 10 pups
- Lifespan: 12 - 24 months
Habitat:
- Rather rare in Switzerland, found primarily in rural areas. Mostly farms and warehouses.
Nutrition:
- Omnivores: Eat all kinds of food and prefer a plant-based diet
- Fluids: Fluid intake does not need to be daily.
Behave:
- Social: Lives in groups with a clear hierarchy
- Neophobia: The house rat is extremely distrustful
- Pest characteristics: Contaminates foodstuffs through feces, urine, and hair. Causes damage by gnawing on cables, wood, and other materials.
Driven:
- Aggressive behavior: Rarely attacks people, but can become aggressive when threatened or cornered.
- Damage: Can cause significant damage by gnawing on buildings, electrical cables, and supplies.
Disease transmission:
- Carriers of pathogens such as cholera, hantavirus, leptospirosis, plague bacteria, dysentery, salmonella and trichinosis
Food:
- Store food and drinks safely and check storage areas regularly.
- Dispose of food scraps and waste in sealable containers.
Hygiene:
- Do not leave open garbage cans or bags.
- Regular cleaning of surfaces and rooms
House and garden:
- Seal cracks, crevices and possible access points (>12mm) on houses.
- Consult a pest control expert for comprehensive advice.
Behave:
- Use traps and baits only in consultation with pest control professionals. Do not handle the animals directly without protective measures.
Garden maintenance:
- Regularly collect fallen fruit in the garden.
- Store compost heaps far away from the building