CHARACTERISTICS OF DOMESTIC RATS
Roof Rat
House Mouse
Scientific Name
Norway Rat
Rattus rattus
Mus musculus
Rattus norvegicus
Weight:
16 ounces
8-12 ounces
1/2 to 3/4 oz.
Color:
Reddish brown hair
Tan to black hair
Gray hair
Body
Thick/blunt nose
Slender/pointed nose
Petite
Characteristics:
Tail Length vs
Shorter than head &
Longer than head &
Same as body
Body length:
body
body
Ears:
Small
Large
Large
1/4" long, one
3/4" long, both ends
1/2" long, one end
or both ends
Droppings:
blunt
pointed
pointed
Trash piles
Habitat:
Sewers, trash piles,
Trees & vines
pantry or
Exterior
basements-cellars
Attics
Kitchen
Interior
Habits:
Burrower
Climber
Terrestial
Range:
100-200 feet
100-150 feet
10-50 feet
Omnivore/fruits &
Omnivore/grain
Feeding Habits:
Omnivore/meats
vegetables
& cereals
Food
1 1/2 ounces/day
1 ounce/day
1/10 ounce/day
Consumption:
Sexual Maturity:
3-5 months
3-5 months
1 1/2 months
Gestation:
22 days
22 days
19 days
Young Per Litter:
8-12
8-12
5-6
Litters Per Year:
4-7
4-7
8
Weaned Per
20
20
30-35
Year:
Lifespan:
1 year +
1 year +
1 year +
Figure 1-3. Characteristics and measurements of adult domestic rodents.
MD0173
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