Not all creepy-crawlies or four-legged creatures in the world deserve an ugly scream of fear or disgust. After all, all organisms in this world play a role in the vast ecosystem that we experience and benefit from. If four-legged critters are scurrying on your home and you’re on high alert to exterminate them, you might be surprised that not everything that might look like a rat you’re dealing with are not rats or all that bad. Let’s take a look at the types of rats you might find in your backyard and your home. Rats are often found to be nesting around house, its important for a responsible action action to be taken. This may include engaging the services of a licensed pest controller.
Common Sydney Rats
Black Rats (Rattus Rattus)
Despite their name, these four-legged critters rarely have black fur. Oftentimes, these rats sport black-brown fur with their body. They have a slender body, large ears, and a pointed nose.
Brown Rats or Norway Rays (Rattus Norvegicus)
Unlike Black Rats, the Brown Rats can grow up to 40 cm in length. Plus, their tail is noticeably shorter than their body. They have small ears, a blunt nose, and a thicker (quite structured or squared) body.
Bush Rat (Rattus Fuscipes)
They commonly live in a dense forest understorey. The Bush Rat dig short burrows under logs, rocks and line their nests with grass. They sport greyish-brown fur with round ears. What’s more, the Bush Rats have short tails.
The Bush Rat can grow up to 20 cm in length. Interestingly, some studies show the effect of bush rats in stopping Black Rats from invading bushy areas in Sydney.
Why These Rats are Unwelcome
These rats are naturally a threat to both animals and plants. They carry parasites, viruses, and diseases such as Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis. What’s more, these rats are proficient climbers and great jumpers meaning they can close distances.
If they came from your backyard, they’ll have no problem entering your home. Once they do, these rats might chew on your pipes, insulation, and electrical wires that may cause damages, and even start a fire.
Often Mistaken As Rats
Bandicoot
Keeping true to its name, the Bandicoots are cute critters that are often mistaken as rats. However, unlike rat species bandicoots are omnivorous marsupials and not rodents. They are nocturnal and are not a threat to the ecosystem.
They have a compact body structure. They have a long and pointed snouts and humped backs. Their tails are thin and their size can be compared in size to rabbits.
Keeping your home pest-free is different from keeping it rat-free. If you are wondering whether you have welcome or unwelcome critters in your home, we are only a message away! Get in touch with Picton Pest Control today!
