Habitat

Often found beside water, on the banks of streams and ditches. Sewers also provide habitat, and access to street level feeding areas, particularly in cities.

Biology

Excellent senses of touch, taste, smell and hearing. Poor vision. Active burrower. Strong swimmer. New object wary (Neophobia). Food sources include garbage in urban areas and cereal or root crops in arable areas.

Rattus norvegicus

Mammalia     Rodentia   

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Pest Status

Main UK rat pest species. Increasingly important in urban areas, this species has adapted readily to environments with close proximity to large human populations. Also problematic when newly introduced on small islands.

Control

Usually involves use of well protected anticoagulant bait. Other means may be used, such as acute baits, or physical control methods. Monitoring is also critical for successful management of common rat populations