Rat Management

The common brown rat (Rattus norvegicus --also called the Norway rat or sewer rat) is a destructive animal pest found in and around towns and farms.  These rodents eat and contaminate large amounts of feed, damage structures by their gnawing and burrowing and may spread disease that affect livestock and people.

Recognizing Rat Infestations

The presence of rats can be detected by droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing.  Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces.  Runways and burrows may be found next to buildings, along fences, and under low vegetation and debris.

Rat Facts:

Norway rats are fairly husky, brownish rodents that weigh about 11 ounces.   They are about 13 to 18 inches long including the 6 to 8 1/2 inch tail.  Their fur is coarse and mostly brown with scattered black on the upper surfaces.  The underside is typically grey to yellowish-white.

Rats will eat nearly any type of food, but they prefer high-quality food such as meet and fresh grain.  Rats require 1/2 1 fluid ounces of water daily when feeding on dry food.  Rats have keen taste, hearing and sense of smell.  They will climb to find food or shelter, and they can gain entrance to a building through any opening larger than 1/2 inch across.

Rats have litters of 6 to 12  young, which are born 21 to 23 days after mating.  Young rats reach reproductive maturity in about three months.   Breeding is most active in spring and fall.  The average female has 4 to 6 litters per year.  Rats can live for up to 18 months, but most die before they are one year old.

Control Methods:

1. Woodbase Snap Traps

2. Live Traps

3. Rat and Mice Repellent (External Use Only)

4. Rodent Electrocution System

5. Poison Bait (Rodenticide)

6. Contact your local National Pest Control Association Member

Med-Pest Control
350 Mountain Avenue
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846
Tel: (732) 469-5999
Fax: (732) 271-1824