Are rats pests? Detailed answer

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Are rats pests? Detailed answer

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Are rats pests?

In the entire history of mankind, there was no such animal that people would not fight everywhere with greater fury and zeal than with rats! And while most rat species are completely harmless and interesting animals, the two most common varieties of rats - brown and black - have managed to create a disgusting reputation for the entire family. So why do people fight rats?

The fact is that every year these animals destroy millions of tons of valuable grain, eat eggs, domestic and songbirds, spoil food in houses and on ships. A lot of fires happened due to rats gnawed wicks, gas pipes, electrical wiring insulation, and water pipes damaged by rats caused flooding in houses. In addition, rats spoil floors and furniture, and, finally, they spread diseases, including, fortunately, bubonic plague, which is rare in our time.

The number of rats in the cities, apparently, is not inferior to the number of people, and in the villages there are actually 3-4 rats for each person! They can climb walls and burrow into the ground, live indoors and outdoors, in dry and wet places. While generally preferring vegetables, rats will eat everything. And since these animals can live anywhere and reproduce very quickly, they are very difficult to control. A female rat can give birth to up to 10 cubs a year, and those, in turn, are ready to bring their own offspring after 4 months!

The homeland of black rats is the peninsula of Asia Minor and some countries of the East. These rats came to Europe with the crusaders returning from Palestine. Brown rats originally lived in the barren steppes of Central Asia and probably began their mass migration shortly before the time of the Roman Empire. Like black rats, they have found their way to all parts of the world in the holds of ships and have shown themselves to be one of the most adaptable animals. Just like mice - another rodent that lives with people - rats have become very popular pets and are specially bred for this purpose. Of course, ordinary wild rats are never used for breeding domestic rats, although they are relatives to each other in color and some habits.

White rats are actually albinos of brown rats. An albino is an animal that has impaired pigmentation of the skin and coat. Such individuals are rare, but humans specifically breed albinos because of their color. Pet rats are best kept in cages, but the living space should be large. It is recommended to make cells with a slope leading to the second "floor". And, of course, it is better to use iron cages, because the wooden bars can be gnawed when the rats get bored with this dwelling.

Domestic rats are very unpretentious, and the best food for them is ground or crushed oatmeal mixed with bird food. The lifespan of domestic rats is two to three years.

Author: Likum A.

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