Breed of Rats in Melbourne: Know Your Rodent Invaders

Key takeaways

Not all rodents behave the same way. Roof rats, Norway rats and house mice have different habits, nesting areas and behaviours.

Roof rats are excellent climbers and commonly enter roof cavities, ceilings and other elevated areas.

Norway rats are ground-dwelling rodents that often burrow around buildings, patios and ground-level areas.

House mice are smaller but can multiply quickly, often nesting behind walls, inside cupboards and around kitchen appliances.

Identifying the rodent can help determine the right control approach, as different species may require different treatment methods.

From wild pests to adorable pets, this is your go-to guide on the breeds of rat, their habits, and how to deal with them.

1. Roof Rats

They have sleek bodies, around 16 to 20 cm long.

Known for being excellent little climbers.

Roof rats prefer fruit and grains and nesting in high places.

Female roof rats breed year-round with 5 to 8 pups per litter.

2. Norway Rats

Norway rats are heavy-bodied, ground dwellers who burrow beneath buildings and patios. They cannot be called the sewer beast for nothing.

They have stocky build heavy body with 20 to 25cm long

They have short ears and tails.

They prefer to eat rubbish, meat, and grains.

They breed prolifically, like up to 7 litters a year.

3. House Mice

They are tiny but mighty, house mice are often mistaken for baby rats. But don’t let their size fool you, they can multiply like crazy and contaminate foods.

They have small bodies, like 7 to 10 cm long, with large ears and long tails.

House mice love to nest behind walls and kitchen appliances.

Female mice can breed every 3 to 4 weeks with litters of 5 to 8 pups.

They can become pregnant again immediately after giving birth.

The Rodents Breeding Cycle

When it comes to rats, things can escalate really fast. A female rat can become pregnant again just 48 hours after giving birth. Their sexual maturity can be reached in as little as 5 to 12 weeks, and they are ready to breed well before most people even notice a problem. Once pregnant, her gestation lasts around 21 days, and she’ll typically give birth to a litter of 5 to 12 pups. As a matter of fact, one single female rat can produce up to 70 rats a year. Now imagine if just a few of those offspring are also female; they’ll start breeding too, turning a small issue into a full-blown infestation in no time!

Rat Breeds vs. Pet Rats

While wild rats cause chaos and damage, pet rats are a different breed, like, literally. They’re bred for temperament, colour, and coat type. Common pet varieties include:

They are called the fancy rat and are a pet selective breeding of domesticated rats. Their appearance has a classic smooth coat. Standard rats have a body with a size of about 6-8 inches and a tail that can vary based on the breeding methods used.

These quirky creatures have curly fur and whiskers, giving them a distinct, fuzzy appearance. Rex rats have a soft, woolly coat that sets them apart from your average rodent, and they’re often kept as pets for their unique look and playful nature.

Also known as hairless rats, Sphynx rats are completely bald and warm to the touch due to their lack of fur. While not common in the wild, they can appear in some households, especially if someone previously owned them as pets and they escaped or were released.

These rats are known for their luxurious, shiny coats that feel silky to the touch. Their gleaming fur makes them popular in the fancy rat community, but just like any rat, they’re quick, clever, and curious.

Remember: If you're a pet owner, having hygiene and preventing rodent infestation are still key. Even pet rats can attract wild ones if food or bedding isn’t stored properly.

How to Deal with Any Breed of Rat

Sometimes you don’t need to call on pest control services. You can use DIY techniques and methods to handle simple cases of rodent invasions. You can try peppermint oil, traps, or ultrasonic devices, but these rarely solve the full problem, especially if there are rats in the ceiling with no access.

The Rat Control Experts You Can Trust

Contact the team now and say goodbye to scratching in the walls and unexpected droppings in the pantry.