The Brown rat: King of the Sewers

The common rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the brown rat or sewer rat, is the most common rodent in urban environments. With a massive body measuring between 20 and 30 cm and a tail shorter than its body, it is an omnivore with a strong inclination for meat and food scraps.

Wharf rat Habitat and Behavior

The common rat prefers damp, cool environments, such as sewers, burrows and cellars. They dig burrows or build nests in protected areas, often close to food sources. This rodent is particularly well adapted to life underground, and is often found in drainage systems and urban sewers.

Reproduction and life cycle

The common rat has an impressive reproductive capacity, with 3 to 12 litters per year, each with 3 to 12 young. This ability to reproduce rapidly allows common rat populations to recover quickly after control efforts.

Diet

The wharf rat is omnivorous, but shows a clear preference for protein-rich foods such as meat (notably found in cat and dog food). It is also attracted to human food waste, making it a frequent inhabitant of rubbish dumps and urban areas where waste is abundant.

Impact and nuisance

The wharf rat are known to cause significant damage by gnawing through electrical cables and building structures, and contaminating food supplies. Their presence can also entail serious health risks, as they are vectors of numerous diseases, such as leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Their ability to burrow and move rapidly through drainage systems makes them particularly difficult to control.

Prevention and management

To prevent overgrowth infestations, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene, manage waste appropriately and secure any openings through which they might enter. Setting traps and poisoned baits can be effective, but it is often necessary to call in professionals for complete and lasting eradication.