10/11/2021
To most people a rat is a rat. How do you tell what kind of rat it is? First off, there are 2 main species of rats that we deal with in the South Africa, and in most parts of the world.
Norway Rat :
Norway rats are commonly referred to as “ground rats” or “sewer rats”. Norway rats are generally the largest rat found in the SA. Roof Rats are the other rat, and smaller and more agile than Norway Rats. Knowing the difference between these 2 rats will make your control efforts much simpler and easier. Norway rats are social pests, often building shelters close to one another. This means that where there is one burrow, there are likely others close by. Their burrows have at least one entrance hole and a minimum of one bolt-hole, or emergency exit, which is often hidden under grass, debris and other materials.
Norway Rat : Habits
These rodents are known to gnaw through almost anything – including plastic or lead pipes – to obtain food and water sources for survival. Norway rats almost always require a water source separate from the liquid they may find in food. They are creatures of habit. If they eat something they dislike, Norway rats will quickly develop an aversion to that food and search for an alternative option. Once they find a favourable food source, Norway rats will return time and again
Roof Rat :
The roof rat is the smaller of the two commensal rats, as the Norway rat is larger in size. Roof rats are also referred to as black rats or ship rats. The roof rat gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in the upper parts of buildings. Once inside, roof rats not only damage materials by gnawing through them, but they also contaminate stored food and serve as vectors of dangerous diseases.
Roof rats are thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, but they are now found worldwide, especially in the tropical regions. Roof rats are common in coastal states, seaports and the southern third of the country.
Roof Rat : Habits
Roof rats are primarily nocturnal, and thrive in cool weather. They forage for food in small groups of up to ten and tend to return to the same food source time after time, following the same pathway between their nest and food. Though their excellent climbing abilities allow them to easily access the upper parts of structures, they are also highly adaptable and can survive in a variety of environments. Roof rats live in colonies and prefer to nest in the upper parts of buildings. They can also be found under, in and around structures.
