There are two primary species of rats present in Tennessee.The Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway rat is both larger and heavier than the roof rat. It has a wider distribution and is usually more common, although the roof rat is less plentiful; the species is becoming more prevalent. Norway rats build their nests in burrows under buildings, low shrubs or ground cover, wood piles, junkyards, and garbage dumps. The roof rat, on the other hand, is a better climber than the Norway rat and is more likely to build its nest in walls, attics, or trees.
Norway rat - is 13-18 1/2 inches total length, with its tail being shorter than its head and body combined. An adult Norway rat weighs abo ut 3/4 to 1-1/4 pounds. It is mostly brown, with a lighter colored stomach. The tail is semi-naked and darker above than below, giving it a two-toned effect.
Roof rat It is mostly black with some gray below, although there are some variations. The tail is also semi-naked, but of one color. Their tail is scaly and naked, and usually longer than the head and body. Its fur is smooth. The average size is roughly 13-inches in length including the tail. Roof rats are slightly smaller than Norway rats.
Biology
Norway rats and roof rats will eat nearly any type of food. Norway typically prefer high-quality foods such as meat and fresh grain. Roof rats eat the same diet, will also eat fruits and vegetables. Rats usually require ½ to 1 ounce of water daily when feeding on dry foods, but less when moist food is available.
Habitat:
Norway rats live in close association with people. They burrow to make nests under buildings and other structures, beneath concrete slabs, around ponds, in garbage dumps, and at other locations where suitable food, water, and shelter are present. These rats can climb, but tend to dwell in the lower floors of buildings.
Roof rats nest within structures in high places, but sometimes in basements, sewers, or under buildings. These rats sometimes nest in high places - such as trees ad vines - but will also burrow under vegetation.
Medical Concerns
Rats are one of the dirtiest animals and a huge threat to public health. Some of the disease associated with rats, include:
DISEASE |
DESCRIPTION |
Plague |
Caused by a bite of a rat flea infected with pathogenic bacterium Yersinia pestis. While there have not been any reports of plague in Berkeley, the potential for an outbreak may increase as the rat population expands. |
Salmonellosis |
Bacterial “food poisoning” that may be transmitted when rodents defecate or urinate on food, dishes, kitchen counters, floors, and other objects associated with humans thus contaminating food or drink. |
Leptospirosis |
Caused by the bacterial spirochete, Leptospira spp., which humans may become infected through contact with water or ingestion of food contaminated with urine of infected rats. |
Murine Typhus |
Also known as flea-borne typhus is caused by Rickettsia typhi and it can be transmitted to rodents or other hosts such as humans when infected fecal material from a flea is scratched into the skin or rubbed into the flea bite or an open sore or wound. |
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