Brown Rat Identification Melbourne
Identify brown rats in Melbourne — size, habits, and professional control options.
Brown Rat in Melbourne — Quick Answer
The brown rat is a large, robust rodent found throughout Melbourne, closely related to the Norway rat. Adults reach 20–27 cm in body length with coarse brown fur and a blunt snout. They burrow beneath buildings, near waterways, and around waste facilities. Brown rats are prolific breeders and significant disease vectors. T47 Pest Control provides comprehensive baiting, trapping, and exclusion services to manage brown rat populations.
How to Identify Brown Rat
Size
20–27 cm body; 15–22 cm tail; up to 500 g
Colour
Brown to grey-brown; pale grey underside
Behaviour
Ground-dwelling, strong swimmer, nocturnal, neophobic (cautious of new objects)
Habitat
Burrows near foundations, sewers, rubbish areas, subfloor spaces, farms
Look-Alikes & Confusion Notes
The brown rat is often the same species as the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). In Melbourne, "brown rat" and "Norway rat" are interchangeable terms. Distinguished from roof rats by stockier build, smaller ears, and shorter tail.
Risk & Urgency
High. Brown rats cause structural damage through gnawing and burrowing. They transmit leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. Their rapid breeding means early intervention is critical to prevent large infestations.
Where Found in Melbourne
Brown rats are found across all Melbourne regions, with higher concentrations near commercial food areas, markets, waterways, and older suburbs with accessible subfloor spaces. Construction sites and renovation projects often disturb existing colonies.
What to Do Now
Eliminate food sources by securing bins and storing pet food indoors. Seal gaps in walls, foundations, and pipe entries with steel or cement. Call T47 Pest Control for a free inspection and targeted rat control program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are brown rats and Norway rats the same?
- Yes. The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the same species as the Norway rat. Other common names include sewer rat and common rat. They are all the same ground-dwelling rodent.
- How big can brown rats get?
- Adult brown rats typically reach 20–27 cm in body length and weigh 300–500 grams. Exceptionally large individuals can exceed 500 grams, particularly around abundant food sources.