(Rattus rattus)
Biology:
In contrast to the Norway rat, the house rat prefers warm and dry places, such as attics or house floors. It is a very good climber and uses its tail as a support and balancing tool. The fur is brown-black and, in contrast to the Norway rat, it is usually smaller and slimmer with a body length of 16 to 20 cm. The tail length is always longer than the body length and is approx. 19 to 25 cm. Because the tail is not dragged, in contrast to the Norway rat, there are usually no drag marks between the paw prints on the footprints of the domestic rat. Only occasionally can a line caused by the tail movements of the rat be seen to the right or left of the footprints (like a whipcord). The house rat has a pointed head with very large ears and eyes. House rats are omnivores, but prefer mainly plant-based food. Like Norway rats, house rats reproduce all year round. Females have 1 to 2 litters a year with an average of 5 to 8 young.
Damage: The damage is similar to that of the Norway rat.
