Different Types of Rats in Sydney

Rats. Sneaky. Destructive. And far more common in Sydney than you might think. They can steal your peace of mind real quick and can be your worst nightmare. Like scurrying through your roof at night or burrowing beneath your backyard, these persistent pests are a serious concern for both homeowners and businesses in Sydney.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the different types of rats found in Sydney, show you how to identify them, and share expert-backed insights on how to get them out and keep them out completely.

3 Types of Rats in Sydney

All kinds of rats pose serious threats; their habits and habitats differ significantly. They often lump them into one big, gnawing, squeaky category. In Sydney, the three major culprits are invading homes and businesses. Let’s get to know them.

1. Roof Rats

They are also known as the black rat, ship rat, and house rat. These roof rats are the roof invaders. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Appearance:

• Sleek, slender body
• Pointed nose
• Large ears and eyes
• Tail is longer than the body
• Slim body that is 16–20 cm (excluding tail)
• Colour can be grey-brown to black

Biology:

• Their average lifespan can take 9–12 months.
• They can squeeze through holes as small as 1.2 cm.
• They are highly known for their agility and curiosity.

Breeding Cycle:

• Roof rats breed all year round in warm climates.
• Female rats can produce 4–6 litters per year, with 6–10 pups each.
• Their maturity is reached in 3–4 months.

Diet:

They are called omnivorous types of rats. Roof rats prefer fruits, grains, nuts, and occasionally insects. They tend to nibble at multiple food sources rather than consume one completely.

Habits:

Roof rats are excellent climbers and are commonly found in roofs, ceilings, wall cavities, and attics. They're more likely to infest upper levels of buildings and often nest in trees or dense vegetation around homes.

Potential Damage:

They have strong teeth that don’t stop growing. Roof rats, or black rats, can cause structural damage by gnawing on wood, insulation, and wires, posing fire risks. They contaminate food and spread dangerous diseases like salmonella and leptospirosis.

Pest Control Tip:

Traps and bait stations must be placed off the ground in elevated areas. Entry points around the roofline or eaves must be sealed. Better yet, hire professional pest control experts to handle cases of roof rats.

2. Norway Rat 

They are called burrowing sewer beasts and also brown rats, sewer rats, common rats, and street rats.

Appearance:

• They have a large, stocky body
• Their size is up to 28 cm (head and body), with the tail shorter than the body
• Blunt nose
• Small ears
• Shorter tail not longer than the body
• Their colour is brown to grey

Biology:

• Norway rats are strong swimmers and burrowers.
• They are typically active at night.
• Notorious for digging and can chew through concrete and lead pipes

Breeding Cycle:

• Norway female rats can produce up to 12 litters per year.
• They can multiply 8–12 pups per litter after
• Known as the rapid breeders with potential infestations growing fast

Habits:

They are known for sewer beasts. Norway rats are terrestrial and prefer lower levels, including basements, sewers, subfloors, and burrows. They’re notorious for digging extensive tunnel systems and are commonly found near rubbish bins, drains, and wet areas.

Diet:

They live underground, so most likely they eat nearly anything: meat scraps, garbage, grains, pet food, and even small animals.

Potential Damage:

Norway rats are commonly more aggressive than their black cousins. They are known to undermine building foundations, contaminate food, and transmit diseases like rat-bite fever, Weil’s disease, and plague.

Pest Control Tip:

If you want to eliminate them, you must focus on ground-level baiting, burrow treatment, and proper waste disposal. Physical exclusion through concrete barriers or mesh is highly effective.

3. House Mice

House mice are the silent invaders. Also known as the common mouse or field mouse. Don't be fooled by their size; house mice are just as destructive as their larger cousins. These tiny pests reproduce quickly and silently, often remaining undetected until a full-blown infestation takes over.

Appearance:

• House mice are 6–9 cm from head to body, with a tail of similar length.
• They have brown to grey colour.
• They have pointed noses.
• Their tails are thin and scaly.
• You can notice that they have large and fine fur.

Biology:

• House mice are extremely curious and adaptable creatures.
• They can build nests from paper, fabric, and insulation.
• Can enter buildings through holes as small as 6 mm

Breeding Cycle:

• House mice reach sexual maturity at just 5 to 6 weeks old and can begin breeding almost immediately after weaning.
• Their gestation period begins only 19 to 21 days or around 3 weeks.
• They typically produce 5 to 8 pups, but can range up to 12 litters.
• The weaning period of a house mouse is about 3 weeks after birth.
• A female mouse can become pregnant again within 24 hours of giving birth.

Where You'll Find Them:

• Inside walls and ceilings
• Behind appliances
• Inside pantries, cupboards, and drawers
• Commercial kitchens and food storage areas

Diet:

• Grains, cereals, chocolate, dry goods, pet food
• Nibbles small amounts from many sources

Risks:

• They contaminate food through their droppings and urine.
• Can damage insulation, furniture, and wiring
• Spreads diseases such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and salmonella

Pest Control Tip:

You need to focus on trapping and baiting inside the home, particularly around kitchens and food storage. Seal all cracks and crevices, and reduce clutter.

Leave It to the Experts

Identifying the different types of rats and mice invading your home is the first step in taking back control. And doing DIY solutions to remove them cannot guarantee 100% effectiveness. Each species requires a tailored approach for effective removal and prevention. Traps and baits can reduce visible rats but won’t solve the nest problem. That’s where professional rat pest control comes in. Sydney Pest Crew has combined experience, advanced techniques, and long-lasting treatments to completely eradicate infestations.

We are a trusted rat control service in Sydney. With our expert technicians, environmentally friendly solutions, and no-nonsense approach, we’re here to protect your home, business, and peace of mind. Call us today, or you can book us online.