Pest Profile
Vermin
Vermin
RATS
Scientific name: Rattus norvegicus & Rattus rattus
There are two main rat species deemed as pests within Victoria: The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus – also known as the common rat, sewer rat or brown rat, is the larger of the two pest rats) and the Roof Rat (Rattus rattus – also known as the ship rat or black rat, is smaller than the common Norway rat).
Rats are quick and prolific breeders being able to to have numerous litters of pups each year. Usually active at night, rats are excellent diggers and swimmers and can communicate through high pitched vocalisation.
Rats are omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter, but they will eat almost anything availablt to them. Genreally, they prefer starch and protein-rich foods, such as cereals, which form a substantial part of their diet. Other foods they will eat include meat, fish, vegetables, weeds, earthworms, crustaceans, nuts and fruit.
