Rats are scavengers and will burrow in dirt to find food. Their diet consists mostly of grains nuts and fruits. However they will also consume carrion garbage and other food items they find in their environment.
Rats have sharp incisors that they use for gnawing. Their incisors grow continuously so they must gnaw on hard surfaces to keep them at a manageable length. This gnawing often leaves behind telltale marks on wood and other surfaces.
Rats are also good swimmers and climbers. Their tails help them balance when they are climbing and swimming.
Rats generally reproduce quickly and have large litters. The female rat will have anywhere from four to twelve baby rats called “kits.” The average lifespan of a rat is two to three years but some have been known to live up to five years in captivity.
Rats are capable of carrying many diseases that can be passed on to humans. Some of these diseases include:
-Salmonella
-Hantavirus
-Leptospirosis
-Plague
For this reason it is important to take precautions when dealing with rats. If you must handle them wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards. If you see a rat in your home contact a pest control professional to have it removed.
Do rats burrow in dirt?
Yes rats burrow in dirt.
Where do rats burrow?
Rats typically burrow in fields woodlands and along foundations.
Why do rats burrow?
Rats burrow for shelter to create a nest and to store food.
How do rats burrow?
Rats use their strong front legs to dig into the ground.
How deep do rat burrows typically go?
Rat burrows can be up to three feet deep.
What is the purpose of a rat’s tail?
The rat’s tail is used for balance and as a communication tool.
Do all rats burrow?
No not all rats burrow.
Some rats live in trees while others live in the sky (on hot air balloons)!
What kind of dirt do rats prefer to burrow in?
Rats prefer soft loose dirt to burrow in.
How many rats are in a typical burrow?
A typical burrow has about 10 rats.
How long do rats live?
Rats typically live for 2-3 years.
What do rats eat?
Rats are omnivores and will eat both plants and animals.
What is the average size of a rat?
The average rat is about 16 inches long including the tail.
Are rats dangerous?
While rats can carry diseases they are not typically dangerous to humans.
What is the difference between a rat and a mouse?
Rats are larger than mice and they have longer tails.
Do rats burrow alone or in groups?
Rat burrows are typically communal meaning that many rats will live in one burrow together.
