Roof Rat Life Cycle

Roof rats are born in a nest in a litter of 6 8 young.

Roof rat life cycle. Babies roof rats are born in litters of 4 8 pups which are small pink blind and confined to the nest. The gestation period is about 25 days and litters normally range from 4 to 10 young and average about 6. Despite having some different habits the rat life cycle for both species is similar. Rats are social animals.

Peak breeding season for the roof rat typically occur in spring and fall. In the life cycle of a rat it produces around seven offspring at a time. Life cycle roof rat females breed when they are about three months old. The roof rat life cycle.

Roof rats often enter buildings at the roofline so be sure that all access points in the roof are sealed. From birth to adult rats take about three weeks to mature and begin fending for themselves. A female roof rat lays 3 4 litters per year. Most species of rats live in nests comprised of an alpha male several females and the young rats.

A female rat has a gestation period of three weeks and they can have five litters or so in a single year. The litters are usually spaced at intervals of 60 to 65 days. During the menopause process the reproduction cycle of a female rat becomes more irregular. When they are born rats have no fur and they are also blind.

The dominant male will prevent other males from mating with his group of females and watches out for the family. Similarly the mating of roof rats with domestic rats causes unhealthy breeding and the babies are unlikely to survive. Roof rats give birth to about 5 to 8 young after a gestation period of 21 to 23 days and may have up to 4 litters a year. Newborn rats may reach independence and reproductive maturity at about 3 months.

The life cycle of a rat. However many rats die after the first year due to predation and interspecies conflict. Once inside roof rats not only damage materials by gnawing through them but they also contaminate stored food and serve as vectors of dangerous diseases. Life expectancy for rats is about two to three years.

Roof rats are also referred to as black rats or ship rats. They can have twins which will take it to a maximum of 14. The roof rat gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in the upper parts of buildings. Products for control of roof rats.

A female rat reaches her menopause after 18 months. If roof rats are traveling on overhead utility wires contact a pest control professional or the utility company for information and assistance with measures that can be taken to prevent this. Unlike brown rats roof rats create their nests in high places like attics.