How Common Are Rats in the UK?
WouterThere are two main types of rats. The first is the brown rat, which is common in open fields and farms but is also found in homes. This rat is omnivorous and will eat almost anything man would eat. Young brown rats can even be sexually mature at six weeks. The lifespan of a rat is around 18 months, but it can be longer or shorter depending on its genetics and environment.
Rats are good at adapting to different environments. They have evolved in the UK and are now a native species. There are two species of rats, both of which can cause a pest problem. Both are prone to carrying parasites and diseases that affect humans. This is because they eat decaying food and animal feces, as well as corpses. They also come into contact with bacteria and viruses.
The brown rat has a population of about 7,070,000 across GB. The population trend of this species is unknown, but it is known that rat numbers have increased in the last few years. This rat is widespread throughout the UK, but absent from mountainous areas. The brown rat spends most of its time grooming and washing, and it is often found living in sewers and rubbish tip sites.
The brown rat is the most common rat species in the UK. This rat prefers to live underground, where it can burrow. It has a strong climbing ability, making it ideal for sneaky scurrying. Black rats, on the other hand, are rare in the UK and mostly appear in harbours and ports. They are also found on ships.
