How to Identify Different Types of Rodents in Your backyard?
You might be surprised to learn that the terrible rat you see running around your yard might not be so terrible after all. Last night ABC's Catalyst did a great segment on the different types of four-legged creatures that roam Australian backyards, and they're not always bad.
What types of insects
should be banned or welcome in your garden? Our experts tell you all...
Visits you don't want
Black Rat (Rattus
rattus)
·
Don't let the name fool you! They are rarely
black, mostly brown!
·
They are characterized by the size of their
tail, which is usually equal to or longer than the rat's body.
·
They have a pointed nose, large ears and a slim
body.
Brown rat or Norway
rat (Rattus norvegicus)
•
They can grow quite large large: up to 40 cm
long
•
Brown rat’s tail is shorter than their body
•
They have a blunt nose, small ears and a thicker
body than the black rat
Why not them welcome
•
They were introduced by European settlers, so
they are a threat to our native fauna and flora.
•
They can transmit a variety of parasites and
viruses, including roundworms and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM).
•
They are excellent climbers and can scale walls
and drainpipes as well as jump great distances.
•
Once inside and around your home, they can
damage insulation, chew through floor joists and walls, and cause fires by
chewing on electrical wiring.
Visitors welcome
Bandicoot (Perameles)
•
These cute little guys are often mistaken for
rats!
•
They have long, pointed snouts; a compact body;
they have a long, thin tail and are about the size of a rabbit.
•
Her total gestation is 12.5 days!
•
They are nocturnal, so they are generally only
seen walking around at night (and in chocolate form in Australian supermarkets
at Easter).
•
As a native species, they pose no threat to our
wildlife, but are often attacked by large, large birds. Foxes, snakes and wild
cats
Bush rat (Rattus fuscipes)
•
These little natives are also often confused
with rats!
•
They are grey-brown, have round ears and a
relatively short tail and grow up to 20 cm long.
•
They prefer to live in the dense undergrowth of
the forest, seeking refuge in short caves under tree trunks or rocks and lining
their nests with grass.
•
How to Keep Your
Unwanted Guests Away
There are a few things you can do at home to deter these
unwanted visitors. For more information, visit 365 Pest Control.
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