Rats - Facts & Figures

Domestic rodents possess some unusual physical abilities, all of which enable them to continue to thrive in the urban environment. Rats can climb both vertical and horizontal wires, the inside of a vertical pipe with a dimension of from one-half to four inches, the outside of a vertical pipe of any diameter if the pipe is within three inches from a wall or other continuous support. They can jump vertically about two feet from a standing start, and about three feet with a running approach. They have been known to fall as much as 50 feet without being killed. They can swing from one vantage point to another horizontally along a smooth vertical wall over a distance as long as their bodies. Al of these physical abilities enable rats to enter a structure. They are also excellent swimmers. They often come through piping and into toilets, and through floor drains. Rats are primarily nocturnal foragers, but will move about during the daytime under pressure of hunger, thirst or fear. The home range of rats depends on a number of factors, such as nearness of food and water to the harbourage, presence of hazards, and the quantity of food and available water. The normal distance ranged seldom exceeds 100 feet and the average is nearer 50 feet. Norway rats show a greater preference for meat products, and the roof rat tends to respond more to fruits and vegetables. Rats require from three-quarters of an ounce to an ounce of dry food, and about one ounce of water per 24-hour period. Three species comprise the domestic rodents. The Norway Rat, The Roof Rat, and the House Mouse are all survivors.

Fires and floods are in the news globally, prepare for the new scourge.