How Fast Rats Multiply
WouterRats multiply incredibly quickly. One litter of female rats can produce five to ten pups in just two weeks, and the breeding cycle can produce up to 60 new rats each year. The average rat will reach sexual maturity at around six weeks of age, and females can have up to five litters of pups a year. This means that in just three years, a pair of rats will produce more than two million pups.
Rats are nocturnal, leaving their nests at dusk. They are also very good at hiding. This means that they can grow in numbers without anyone realizing they are there. Rats are less timid than mice, and are capable of adapting quickly to new environments, food, and routines.
The reproductive cycle of rats varies from species to species. Norway rats can produce up to 150 million offspring within three years. Female rats ovulate every four hours and copulate dozens of times a day. If left alone, rodent populations can quickly grow out of control. However, there are many control measures that can help to limit the growth of the population.
Despite their relatively short gestation period, female rats can conceive within 48 hours of giving birth. Consequently, if conditions are ideal, a rat infestation can take hold in a matter of months. As a result, prevention is the most reliable method of keeping your home rodent-free.
