Norway Rat

When distinguishing a Norway rat from a roof rat based on physical characteristics, which observation is correct?

• The Norway rat has a tail longer than its head and body combined.
• The Norway rat has a scaly tail that is shorter than its head and body. ✓
• The Norway rat is more slender and a strong climber than the roof rat.
• The Norway rat has ears that reach the eyes when folded forward.

Answer: Identification section: 'The small ears do not reach the eyes when folded forward, and the scaly tail is shorter than the head and body — laid back over the animal it reaches only about the middle of the skull.' Also, look-alikes section: 'its tail is longer than its head and body combined [roof rat], while the Norway rat's tail is shorter than its body.'

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Which disease is NOT explicitly listed as being spread by rats through contact with urine, droppings, bites, or via fleas and mites?

• Salmonellosis
• Hantavirus
• Plague
• Typhus ✓

Answer: Risks section: 'UC IPM names typhus, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and foodborne illnesses... CDC... also lists salmonellosis, hantavirus, and plague — spread directly through contaminated food or contact with rat urine, droppings, and bites, or indirectly through fleas and mites that feed on rats.' Note: While typhus is mentioned in the UC IPM list, the specific mechanism of spread (urine, droppings, bites, fleas, mites) is linked by the text to the CDC list (salmonellosis, hantavirus, plague).

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Which of the following is a recommended method for setting a snap trap for Norway rat control?

• Place the trap in the attic to target elevated rats.
• Set the trap with the trigger pointing away from the wall.
• Place the trap at a right angle to the wall with the trigger nearly touching it. ✓
• Place the trap in the center of an open room away from walls.

Answer: Treatment section: 'set traps close to walls, behind objects, and at fresh sign, each at a right angle to the wall with the trigger nearly touching it.'

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According to the biology of the Norway rat, what is the average annual reproductive output of a single female?

• About 21 to 23 pups per year
• More than 20 offspring annually ✓
• Between 4 and 6 pups per year

Answer: Biology section: 'A litter holds six to twelve pups, and an average female has four to six litters a year, weaning more than twenty offspring annually.'

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In terms of food safety, how much grain can a single Norway rat consume in one year?

• About 10 pounds
• About 30 pounds ✓
• About 60 pounds
• About 100 pounds

Answer: Risks section: 'one rat can eat about 30 pounds of grain a year and foul ten times that much with urine, feces, and hair.'

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What is the recommended size for an opening to be sealed to effectively exclude both rats and mice?

• Larger than 1/2 inch
• Larger than 1 inch
• Larger than 1/4 inch ✓
• Larger than 1/8 inch

Answer: Prevention section: 'Seal any opening larger than 1/4 inch, which closes gaps to both rats and mice: foundation cracks and the gaps around pipes, wires, drains, and vents.'

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A homeowner reports a rodent infestation in the attic and upper levels of their home. Based on the provided text, which rodent is most likely responsible?

• Norway rat
• House mouse
• Roof rat ✓
• Attic squirrel

Answer: Look-alikes section: 'Where both share a building, Norway rats stay in basements and ground floors and roof rats take the attic and upper levels.'

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