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Common Rat Species
There are two main types of rats that cause concern in the UK. The Brown Rat (or common rat) and the Black Rat. They are a common pest in both private homes and businesses.
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Black Rat
(Rattus rattus)
Black rats are rare in the UK. Their appearance is usually confined mainly to ports.
Appearance
- The black rat is between 16–24cm in length, with a tail longer than the head and body.
- It grows to between 150–200g in weight.
- They have a pointed nose, large ears and a slender body when compared to the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus).
Life cycle and habits of the Black Rat
Life Cycle
- Black rats produce 5–10 young per litter, and have between 3–6 litters a year.
- The gestation period is about 3 weeks.
- It only takes between 12–16 weeks from birth for them to reach sexual maturity.
Habits
- They often climb as they are incredibly agile.
- It is rare for them to burrow and they are rarely found outdoors in the UK.
- Their preferred food is moist fruits. Black Rats will eat around 15g of food a day and drink 15ml.
Brown Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
Brown rats usually prefer ground living and burrowing, but sometimes they can be known to climb.
Appearance
- The brown rat is up to 40 cm in length, with a tail shorter than the head and body.
- It grows up to between 350–500g in weight.
- It has a blunt nose, small ears and a thicker body when compared to the Black Rat (Rattus rattus).
Life cycle and habits of the Brown Rat
Life Cycle
- Rats have 7–8 young per litter, and between 3–6 litters a year.
- The gestation period is about 3 weeks.
- It only takes 10–12 weeks from birth to reach sexual maturity.
Habits
- The brown rat is the only species to occur in sewers in the UK.
- Preferred food is cereals, although they are omnivorous.
- They will eat around 30g of food a day and drink 60ml.
Common Rat FAQs
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Should I be concerned if I see a rat?
Yes, you should be concerned, as rats are rarely alone. A sighting typically indicates a nearby nest. Rats pose serious health risks in the UK, carrying pathogens like Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) and Salmonella, and can cause structural or electrical damage by gnawing through cables, pipes and wood.
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What are the most common rats?
The Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the Norway rat or common rat, is the most prevalent species in the UK. It is widespread in both urban and rural areas. While many believe they only live in sewers, they are highly adaptable and frequently inhabit gardens, lofts, garages, sheds, outbuildings and commercial buildings.
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What time of day do rats come out?
Rats are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active between dusk and dawn. If you see a rat during the day, it often suggests that the population is large and the "subordinate" rats are being forced to forage for food while the dominant one’s sleep, or that their food source has been disturbed.
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How rare are black rats?
Black rats (Rattus rattus) are extremely rare in the UK today. Once common, they have been almost entirely displaced by the larger, more aggressive Brown Rat. Currently, they are mostly restricted to major port cities or isolated islands, making it unlikely that a typical household infestation involves a Black Rat.
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Where do brown rats live?
Brown rats are burrowers and prefer living at ground level or underground. In the UK, they are commonly found in sewer and drainage systems, under garden sheds, in compost heaps, or within wall cavities and sub-floors of houses. They always stay close to a water source and a consistent food supply, such as bird feeders or bins.