Common Rats – Norway Rats – Sewer Rats – Brown Rats

• The main rat specie found in Ireland is the Norway Rat (Rattus Norvegicus), also called Brown Rat, Common Rat or Sewer Rat.
• Common Rats are carriers of zoonotic diseases, i.e. which can be passed from animal to human.
• Rats eat all sorts of foods (omnivores) ranging from grain and cereals to left over takeaway foods. An adult will consume up to 30g of food per day.
• Rats are neophobic, i.e. they are afraid of new objects and may take days before going to bait stations, traps, or eat bait.

• Rats are very agile and climb easily, often entering houses in the Autumn when outside food sources become more scarce.
• Norway rats live in fields, farm lands and in buildings/structures. Rats can often be found in woodpiles.
• A female rat is capable of giving birth to four to six litters per year, each containing five to ten offspring. These young rats can reproduce within three months after birth. In one year a pair of rats can produce a population of up to 700.

• Keep outdoor bins well sealed and away from houses and buildings.
• Remove water, debris and other rat harbourage opportunities.
• Seal any holes larger than 1/4 inch.