Example of the Norway Rat
Rats and mice are classified as a pest species due to their habits of living in houses, gnawing, and spreading diseases. The most common complaints include the following:
General Behavior
Rodents are nocturnal mammals. They use this trait as a mode of self defense, as most of their enemies are inactive during night hours. Rodents typically feed at night; daytime activity is a sign of a large infestation. Commensal rodents are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers; they eat a variety of food items (grains, meats, fish, fruits, etc.) and take advantage of the food items they encounter. Rats will hoard enough food to last them weeks. Most of the time rodents will cache food stuffs in an area where they are comfortable feeding. Pregnant females particularly will build up large food supplies in their nests.
Rats and mice tend to honor a hierarchy system. Rodents will establish an order with more dominant rodents getting to feed first and getting the prime nesting sites. If ample food and harborage are available, less dominant rodents can also survive, but are more likely to be seen feeding during the day.
*Did you know?
Rodents are the second most successful Mammals on earth:
NO.1. Homo sapiens
NO.2. House mouse
NO.3. Norway rat
- Mice or Rats living in the attic
- Mice or Rats scratching in the walls
- Mice or Rats raiding the pantry
- Gnawing on electrical wires
- Concerns over health risks
General Behavior
Rodents are nocturnal mammals. They use this trait as a mode of self defense, as most of their enemies are inactive during night hours. Rodents typically feed at night; daytime activity is a sign of a large infestation. Commensal rodents are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers; they eat a variety of food items (grains, meats, fish, fruits, etc.) and take advantage of the food items they encounter. Rats will hoard enough food to last them weeks. Most of the time rodents will cache food stuffs in an area where they are comfortable feeding. Pregnant females particularly will build up large food supplies in their nests.
Rats and mice tend to honor a hierarchy system. Rodents will establish an order with more dominant rodents getting to feed first and getting the prime nesting sites. If ample food and harborage are available, less dominant rodents can also survive, but are more likely to be seen feeding during the day.
*Did you know?
Rodents are the second most successful Mammals on earth:
NO.1. Homo sapiens
NO.2. House mouse
NO.3. Norway rat
|
Mice are:
~Prevalent and exist in all climates ~Found both indoors and out ~Curious ~Nervous nibblers ~likely to groom often |
Rats are:
~Neophobic (they tend to dislike anything new) ~Mammals that will consume a lot of food once they feel comfortable. ~Likely to groom once or twice a day, in their burrow ~Norway rats are natural burrowers and will burrow near their food and water supply in areas that provide harborage. ~Roof rats are excellent climbers, and will nest in high places. |
