Rat species

Australia is home to a number of rat species, but only a few are considered serious pests in homes and businesses. The two most common culprits are the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), often called the common rat, and the Black Rat (Rattus rattus), a species introduced to Australia. These rodents are known for their rapid breeding, destructive habits, and potential health risks.

Understanding the types of rats found in Australia,  including their behaviour, appearance and habitats, is key to effective control. Whether you're dealing with droppings, scratching sounds in the roof, or signs of damage, accurate rat identification in Australia helps guide the best treatment and methods.

Black Rat

(Rattus rattus)

Black rats can be found in coastal towns and in many urban environments across Australia.

Identification

• 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.

Life cycle and habits of the Black Rat

Lifecycle

• 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 are incredibly agile and very good climbers.
• 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.

Identification

• 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

Lifecycle

• 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

• Preferred food is cereals, although they are omnivorous.
• They will eat around 30g of food a day and drink 60ml.

Conclusion

Rats can cause serious problems in homes, commercial kitchens, warehouses, and just about anywhere they find food and shelter. Whether it’s the agile Black Rat or the burrowing Brown Rat, recognising the types of rats and understanding their behaviour is the first step in managing infestations effectively.

If you’re seeing signs of rodent activity, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Rentokil’s technicians are trained in rat identification Australia-wide, offering fast, targeted treatments for all major rat species in Australia. Contact us today to book an inspection and protect your property.