Things You Did Not Know about Rats: Facts and Types

The Norway rat, roof rat, deer mouse, cotton rat, black rat, white-footed mouse, common house mouse, dormouse, wood rats, white rats, and hamsters are among the various varieties of rats found across the world. The rats and mice we usually see include Norway rats (Rattus Norvegicus), black rats (Rattus Rattus), and house mice (Mus Musculus). Norway and black rats are two distinct species that cannot breed. Regardless of how unpleasant it is to have rats walking around your home, rats are intelligent animals with many fascinating aspects to learn about. Adult rats can weigh up to ten times as much as mice, that is one fact but let’s take a look at many more.

Name of 15 Common Types of Rats

1. Norway Rat
2. Roof Rat
3. Brown Rat
4. Black Rat
5. Polynesian Rat
6. Rice Field Rat
7. Himalayan Rat
8. Alexandrine Rat
9. African Giant Pouched Rat
10. Kangaroo Rat
11. Wood Rat
12. Pack Rat
13. Florida Cotton Rat
14. White-Footed Deer mouse
15. Deer Mouse

Top 15 Interesting Facts about Rats

1. There are Over 60 Species of Rats Worldwide
2. Rats are Very Social Animals
3. Rats are Intelligent and Can Learn Tricks
4. Rats have a Powerful Sense of Smell
5. Rats are Excellent Swimmers
6. Rats have a Unique Dental Structure
7. Rats can Eat Almost Anything
8. Rats have a Short Lifespan
9. Rats have been Used for Medicinal Purposes
10. Rats have been Trained to Detect Landmines
11. Rats are Excellent Climbers
12. Rats are Ncturnal
13. Rats can Carry Diseases
14. Rats have been Used in Art and Literature
15. Rats are Survivors

Fact – 1: There are Over 60 Species of Rats Worldwide

Rats are found on every continent, except Antarctica. There are over 60 different species of rats, ranging from the common brown rat to the giant African pouched rat. The largest rat species is the Bosavi woolly rat, which can grow up to 32 inches long.

Fact – 2: Rats are Very Social Animals

Rats are very social animals and thrive in groups. They are known to groom each other, play together, and even show empathy towards one another. Rats will often share food with each other and will even adopt orphaned pups from other litters.

Fact – 3: Rats are Intelligent and Can Learn Tricks

Rats are highly intelligent and can learn a variety of tricks. They are often used in laboratory experiments because of their ability to learn and problem solve. Some people even keep rats as pets and teach them to do tricks like roll over, play dead, and fetch.

Fact – 4: Rats have a Powerful Sense of Smell

Rats possess a remarkable sense of smell that enables them to identify scents that humans cannot perceive. This makes them valuable in the fields of search and rescue and detecting landmines.

Fact – 5: Rats are Excellent Swimmers

Rats are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to three minutes. They use their tails as rudders and their hind feet as propellers to swim through water. Some species of rats, like the water rat, are even semi-aquatic and spend a lot of time in the water.

Fact – 6: Rats have a Unique Dental Structure

Rats have a unique dental structure that allows their front teeth to continue growing throughout their lifetime. This is because their teeth are constantly being worn down from gnawing on hard objects. If their teeth get too long, they can become a problem and make it difficult for them to eat.

Fact – 7: Rats can Eat Almost Anything

Rats are omnivores and can eat almost any thing including but not limited to insects, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat. They are also known to eat their own feces in order to extract as many nutrients as possible.

Fact – 8: Rats have a Short Lifespan

Rats have a relatively short lifespan, living on average 1-2 years in the wild. This is because they have many natural predators, such as cats, dogs, and birds of prey.

Fact – 9: Rats have been Used for Medicinal Purposes

Rats have been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. Ancient Egyptians believed that rats could cure blindness, and Chinese medicine has used rat parts to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis and skin conditions.

Fact – 10: Rats have been Trained to Detect Landmines

Rats have been trained to detect landmines in war-torn countries. They are lightweight and can safely walk over landmines without setting them off. They are also able to detect the scent of TNT, which is used in landmines.

Fact – 11: Rats are Excellent Climbers

Rats are excellent climbers and can scale vertical walls and trees with ease. They are able to do this because of their sharp claws and long tails, which help them balance.

Fact – 12: Rats are Ncturnal

Rats are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They have excellent night vision and are able to navigate in the dark using their other senses, such as smell and touch.

Fact – 13: Rats can Carry Diseases

Rats are capable of carrying diseases that can be transferred to humans, such as rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. It is important to take precautions when handling rats or cleaning up after them to avoid exposure to these diseases.

Fact – 14: Rats have been Used in Art and Literature

Rats have been used as a symbol in art and literature for centuries. They are often portrayed as cunning and intelligent, as well as dirty and disease-ridden. In some cultures, rats are even considered to be good luck.

Fact – 15: Rats are Survivors

Rats are survivors and have been able to adapt to changing environments throughout history. Rats can survive and adapt to various habitats, including urban environments, where they can easily obtain food and shelter, enabling them to thrive in such settings.

How to Get Rid of Rats Easily

Rats are one of the most unwanted, yet omnipresent, organisms that live alongside humans. Despite the fact that no one wants rats around, they are drawn to human homes. Here are 5 effective ways to get rid of rats:

1. Eliminate Food Sources
2. Seal Entry Points
3. Use Traps
4. Use Bait
5. Call a Professional Exterminator

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