Rodent Identification |
 |
|
|
| |
| Do you see unusual droppings appearing in your home or office? |
 |
Droppings of house mouse (left), roof rat (center), andNorway rat (right). |
|
| Rattus norvegicus (Norway or ground rat) |
 |
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Strong body, well-defined head, has as elongated and quite pointed nose. Medium-sized ears. Long, flaked, ringed tail; shorter than the head and body combined.
COLOR
Rust brown to rust, passing by grey brown.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Length from head to body: 19-26 cm. Length of tail: 16-20 cm. Weight: 200-475 g. |
|
| REPRODUCTION |
Gestation period: 22-24 days. Litter: 6-12 young. Number of litters per year: 3-5. Life span: 1 year, but the population renews itself very fast. |
| BIOLOGY |
The most common rodent. Found especially in low humidity areas. Always needs a source of water, as its water needs are substantial. It is omnivorous. Adapts itself to any surroundings where it lives. Causes enormous damage by gnawing on doors, wood-work, beams, electrical wires, pipelines, etc... Vector of diseases caused by its fleas (foot-and-mouth disease, typhus, plague, etc...). |
|
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Tail longer than head and body combined. Well-developed ears. Flaked, hairless tail. Good looking, well-lustered fine fur. |
 |
|
| COLOR |
| Dark grey with silver reflection. |
| SIZE AND WEIGHT |
| Length from head to body: 16-23 cm. Length of tail: 17-28 cm. Weight: 100-200 g. |
| REPRODUCTION:Gestation period: 21 days. Litter: 5-10 young. Number of litters per year: 3-5. Life span: 1-2 years. |
| BIOLOGY |
| Found everywhere. Animal generally nocturnal. Lives in dry biotops (roofs). Omnivourous and carnivorous; will eat anything. Very distrustful; avoids traps and all new situations. Vector of numerous diseases. |
| |
Mus musculus (House Mouse) |
|
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Small size.Pointed nose. Small black eyes. Long, wide ears. Long tail covered with fine fur. Typical odor due to its urine .
|
 |
|
| COLOR |
| Differs according to habitat; from dark brown to rust brown |
| SIZE AND WEIGHT |
| Length from head to body: 6.8-9 cm. Length of tail: 5-7 cm. Weight: 10-20g. |
| REPRODUCTION:Gestation Period: 21 days. Litter: 6-8 young. Number of litters per year: 4-6, at times as many as 10. Life span: 2 years. |
| BIOLOGY |
| Found buildings where it eats all foods; attacking papers, books, clothing, insulation material, etc. Emerges usually at night, but also at daytime in uninhabited premises. |
| To find a Professional in your area click on Locations |
|
