{"id":24909,"date":"2024-02-09T01:59:29","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T01:59:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crittercontro.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=wildlife&#038;p=24909"},"modified":"2025-10-03T13:54:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T17:54:12","slug":"rat-life-cycle","status":"publish","type":"wildlife","link":"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-life-cycle\/","title":{"rendered":"Rat Life Cycle"},"content":{"rendered":"  <div class=\"wildlife-sub-navigation\">\n  <nav class=\"wildlife-sub-nav\" aria-label=\"Animal Navigation\">\n          <a href=\"\/wildlife\/rats\/\" class=\"wildlife-sub-nav-item \">\n        <div class=\"wildlife-sub-nav-item-text\">Removal<\/div>\n        <div class=\"wildlife-sub-nav-item-icon\">\n                      <svg class=\"info\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n              <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wp-content\/themes\/crittercontrol-2.0\/resources\/img\/svg-legend.svg#icon-info\"><\/use>\n          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767px, (max-width: 991px) 991px, 1920px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-100x0-c-default.webp 100w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-200x0-c-default.webp 200w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-400x0-c-default.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-600x0-c-default.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-800x0-c-default.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665.webp 1000w\">\n    <source type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 767px, (max-width: 991px) 991px, 1920px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-100x0-c-default.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-200x0-c-default.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-400x0-c-default.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-600x0-c-default.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665-800x0-c-default.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665.jpg 1000w\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"featured-image-item\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" alt=\"Rat-Pest-Control-Beaumont-TX\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/crittercontrol\/media\/CritterControl\/Office Finder Refresh\/__thumbnails\/Rat-Pest-Control-Northern-Virginia_jpeg_1000_665.jpeg\" loading=\"lazy\" >\n  <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Rats multiply at a startling pace. What starts with just a pair can turn into dozens within months, leaving homeowners with chewed wires, droppings, and sleepless nights. Infestations multiply, putting your family and property at risk if they\u2019re not dealt with right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Critter Control, we know how unsettling it is to hear scratching in the walls or discover signs of rats in your kitchen. Our team focuses on more than simply removing what you see\u2014we address the source of the problem and help prevent these rodents from returning. Understanding the rat life cycle is the first step to understanding why infestations explode so quickly, and why expert help matters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-critter-white-smoke-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"665\" height=\"665\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/brain-illustration-1-svgrepo-com-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-35186\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:117px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n                    <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n                    {\n                        \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n                        \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n                        \"contentUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/brain-illustration-1-svgrepo-com-1.svg\",\n                        \"width\": \"\",\n                        \"height\": \"\",\n                        \"caption\": \"\",\n                        \"description\": \"\",\n                        \"contentLocation\": \"USA\",\n                        \"author\": {\n                            \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                            \"name\": \"Critter Control\",\n                            \"url\": \"http:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/\"\n                        }\n                    }\n                    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"h-did-you-know\">Did you know?<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Under ideal conditions, one female rat can give birth to over 50 offspring in one year. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Fast Do Rats Reproduce?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rats are prolific breeders and do so year-round when they\u2019re indoors. On average, a female rat can give birth to seven pups per litter, though larger litters can include up to 14. With a gestation period of about three weeks, each female can produce five or more litters yearly. That means a handful of rats can multiply into dozens in a shockingly short time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the rapid rat life cycle frequently producing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/baby-rats\/\"><u>baby rats<\/u><\/a>, it\u2019s easy to see why infestations seem explosive. What starts as an occasional scratching noise in the attic or the sight of a single rat quickly escalates into a widespread problem. This is why early detection and prevention are so important. The sooner nests are found and removed, the easier it is to stop the cycle before it gets out of hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<div class='wp-block-b-chart-chart  align' id='bChart-daa368c0-8' data-attributes='{&quot;cId&quot;:&quot;daa368c0-8&quot;,&quot;data&quot;:{&quot;labels&quot;:[&quot;0 Months&quot;,&quot;3 Months&quot;,&quot;6 Months&quot;,&quot;9 Months&quot;,&quot;12 Months&quot;],&quot;datasets&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Total Rat Population&quot;,&quot;data&quot;:[1,10,26,62,126],&quot;backgroundColor&quot;:[&quot;#ff638433&quot;,&quot;#36a28733&quot;,&quot;#ffce5633&quot;,&quot;#4bc0c033&quot;,&quot;#9966ff33&quot;],&quot;borderColor&quot;:[&quot;#f6b221&quot;,&quot;#f6b221&quot;,&quot;#f6b221&quot;,&quot;#f6b221&quot;,&quot;#f6b221&quot;],&quot;tension&quot;:0.4,&quot;borderWidth&quot;:5,&quot;hoverBorderWidth&quot;:5,&quot;pointRadius&quot;:5,&quot;pointHoverRadius&quot;:4,&quot;pointStyle&quot;:&quot;circle&quot;}]},&quot;background&quot;:{&quot;color&quot;:&quot;#0000&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;solid&quot;},&quot;textColor&quot;:&quot;#000&quot;,&quot;isYGridLine&quot;:false,&quot;gridLineColor&quot;:&quot;#000&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Potential Exponential Growth of Rats&quot;,&quot;titleColor&quot;:&quot;#2a4634&quot;,&quot;isDownload&quot;:true,&quot;align&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;line&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;80%&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:&quot;450px&quot;,&quot;isXScale&quot;:true,&quot;isXGridLine&quot;:true,&quot;isYScale&quot;:true,&quot;alignment&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;isTitle&quot;:true,&quot;titleFontSize&quot;:22,&quot;isSubtitle&quot;:false,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;Chart Subtitle&quot;,&quot;subtitleFontSize&quot;:13,&quot;subtitleColor&quot;:&quot;#8344c5&quot;,&quot;openPopupId&quot;:&quot;&quot;}'><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1cfdb9ee wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-female-rat-reproduction-breakdown\">Female Rat Reproduction Breakdown<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Factors for population calculation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Initial Population<\/strong>: Begin with a mated pair of two rats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sexual Maturity<\/strong>: A female rat can begin breeding around 9 weeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gestation Period<\/strong>: Pregnancy lasts about 21 to 23 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Litters per Year<\/strong>: A female rat can produce up to six litters annually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Litter Size<\/strong>: The typical litter size is 5\u201310 pups. For this table, an average litter size of eight will be used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breeding Post-Birth<\/strong>: A female rat can mate again within 24 hours of giving birth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Do Rats Live?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing just how quickly rats reproduce, you\u2019re probably wondering, \u201cWhat is the life expectancy of a rat?\u201d In ideal conditions, the life expectancy for a rat is about two to three years. While many don\u2019t survive that long in the wild, the ones that do can produce several generations of offspring during their lifetime. Rats reach sexual maturity in just five weeks, meaning that before long, one generation overlaps with the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For homeowners, this means infestations are not temporary. Baby rats grow up fast, becoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/where-do-rats-nest\/\"><u>nesting rats<\/u><\/a> without you ever spotting them. Without intervention, rats can establish ongoing population cycles in your home. Even if a few rats are removed, the survivors continue breeding, creating a revolving door of new infestations. Professional solutions are the only way to break this cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risks of Rat Infestations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/rat-damage-crawlspace-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"rat damage crawlspace\" class=\"wp-image-33484\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/rat-damage-crawlspace-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/rat-damage-crawlspace-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/rat-damage-crawlspace-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/rat-damage-crawlspace.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When rat populations grow, the risks to your home and family also multiply. The most common problems rats create include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Droppings and contamination<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-droppings\/\"><u>Rat droppings<\/u><\/a> are one of the clearest signs of an infestation and can contaminate food, counters, and storage areas with dangerous bacteria. Homeowners often discover droppings in pantries, cabinets, or along baseboards, which creates serious health risks if left unaddressed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fire hazards<\/strong>: Rats constantly need to gnaw, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rodents\/rodent-caused-house-fires\/\">electrical wiring<\/a> is a common target. When protective coatings are chewed away, exposed wires can spark and cause fires, turning a hidden infestation into a life-threatening emergency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structural damage<\/strong>: Over time, rats weaken homes by chewing through insulation, drywall, and even wood framing. These activities not only create costly repairs but can also compromise the building&#8217;s overall safety and energy efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diseases<\/strong>: Rats are notorious carriers of illnesses like Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, and Salmonella, which can spread through urine, droppings, and saliva. Even indirect contact, such as inhaling dust near a nest, can expose families to these serious <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/diseases-from-rats\/\"><u>diseases from rats<\/u><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The longer rats remain inside, the more they spread into kitchens, walls, and storage areas, making the problem harder to contain. So, it\u2019s best to take care of the problem as soon as you notice the telltale signs of an infestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Prevent Rats from Reproducing in Your Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Prevention is the most effective way to avoid the problems that come with the life cycle of a rat. Try these proactive steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eliminate food sources<\/strong>: Rats are resourceful foragers, and any accessible food can sustain an infestation. Store all items\u2014pet food and bird seed\u2014in sturdy, airtight containers that rodents cannot gnaw through. Clean up crumbs, spills, and outdoor attractants like fallen fruit promptly to reduce temptation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seal entry points<\/strong>: A rat only needs a hole the size of a quarter to squeeze into a home. Walk the perimeter of your house and inspect for cracks, gaps, and holes in the foundation, walls, or around pipes and vents. Seal them with durable materials, such as steel wool or caulk, to block these common entry routes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduce clutter<\/strong>: Clutter provides rats with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/roof-rats\/roof-rat-nests\/\">ideal nesting sites<\/a> and hidden travel paths. By keeping basements, attics, and storage areas organized (and clearing piles of paper, cardboard, or unused fabrics), you remove the safe harbors that allow rats to settle and reproduce indoors.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>These steps can slow down <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rats-in-homes\/\"><u>house rats\u2019<\/u><\/a> ability to thrive, but they won\u2019t entirely stop an infestation once it begins. That\u2019s why professional intervention remains so essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-critter-control-gets-rid-of-rats-in-the-house-or-business\">How Critter Control Gets Rid of Rats in the House or Business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/CC-roof-inspection.jpg\" alt=\"roof vent inspection for wildlife\" class=\"wp-image-33640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/CC-roof-inspection.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/CC-roof-inspection-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/CC-roof-inspection-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n                    <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n                    {\n                        \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n                        \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n                        \"contentUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/crittercontrol\/CC-roof-inspection.jpg\",\n                        \"width\": \"\",\n                        \"height\": \"\",\n                        \"caption\": \"\",\n                        \"description\": \"\",\n                        \"contentLocation\": \"USA\",\n                        \"author\": {\n                            \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                            \"name\": \"Critter Control\",\n                            \"url\": \"http:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/\"\n                        }\n                    }\n                    <\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be tempted to reach for DIY tools like store-bought<a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-traps-baits\/\"><u> rat traps and baits<\/u><\/a>. They seem like quick fixes, but unfortunately, they rarely eliminate the root of the problem. Worse, they can put your family and pets at risk if baits are misplaced or if poisoned rodents die in hidden areas of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where Critter Control comes in. Our experienced team takes a comprehensive approach that addresses infestations at every stage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Thorough home inspection<\/strong>: Our trained specialists walk through your property inside and out, looking for nesting sites, droppings, gnaw marks, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-noises\/\"><u>rat noises<\/u><\/a> that signal activity. We also identify gaps, vents, and cracks that rats use to sneak indoors. This detailed inspection gives us a clear map of the infestation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safe, humane removal<\/strong>: Once we understand the scope, we apply targeted methods designed to remove rats efficiently without unnecessary suffering. Our approach avoids dangerous poisons and protects your family, pets, and non-target animals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sanitization of affected areas<\/strong>: Rat infestations often leave behind droppings, urine, and nesting material that can spread disease. Our technicians clean and disinfect these contaminated areas, restoring a healthier environment for you and your household.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exclusion methods<\/strong>: Finally, we take steps to prevent rats from returning. This can include sealing small openings, reinforcing vulnerable spots, and advising on sanitation or storage practices. By closing off entry points, we break the cycle of reinfestation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Our process is designed to give you and your family lasting protection rather than a temporary fix, plus peace of mind that the problem has been handled the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rat-control-amp-rat-removal\">Rat Control &amp; Rat Removal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rats reproduce quickly; even a small number can overwhelm a home or building in just a few months. Building tenants and owners should act quickly at the first sign of rat infestation. Leaving the problem on the back burner only contributes to health hazards and property damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DIY methods may seem easy, but they rarely solve the underlying problem. Employing poison and rat traps without professional supervision can lead to unfavorable results. Call your local Critter Control office to receive expert advice on removing rats from your home or business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Critter Control provides peace of mind and lasting protection through thorough inspections, humane removal methods, and long-term prevention. Acting today means a safer, healthier home tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"wildlife-form bottom\">\n  <div class=\"row\">\n    <div class=\"col-md-8\">\n              <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 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class='styled-form' action='\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wildlife\/24909#gf_1' data-formid='1' novalidate> \r\n <input type='hidden' class='gforms-pum' value='{\"closepopup\":false,\"closedelay\":0,\"openpopup\":false,\"openpopup_id\":0}' \/>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_1' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_1_22\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_hidden\"  ><div class=\"admin-hidden-markup\"><i class=\"gform-icon gform-icon--hidden\" aria-hidden=\"true\" title=\"This field is hidden when viewing the form\"><\/i><span>This field is hidden when viewing the form<\/span><\/div><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_22'>What do you need help with?<\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_22' id='input_1_22' class='large gfield_select'     aria-invalid=\"false\" ><option value='' >Select a reason&#8230;<\/option><option value='I saw an animal in\/around my home' >I saw an animal in\/around my home<\/option><option value='I need a quote for preventative services' >I need a quote for preventative services<\/option><option value='I need follow-up or billing help' >I need follow-up or billing help<\/option><option value='I&#039;m a property manager with multiple locations' >I&#039;m a property manager with multiple locations<\/option><option value='Other' >Other<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text form-item gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_1'>Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span 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class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_3' id='input_1_3' type='tel' value='' class='large'  placeholder='Phone' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_1_7\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gfield--width-half form-item gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_1_7'>5 Digit US Zip \/ Canadian Postal Code:<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_7' id='input_1_7' type='text' value='' class='large' maxlength='7'   placeholder='ZIP \/ Postal Code' aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   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<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"form-caption\">\n    <h3>Get them out.<br\/>\n      Keep them out.\u00ae<\/h3>\n      Experiencing a wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control\u00ae office will contact you to assist.\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n  <section class=\"testimonials-block gutenberg-block  has_bg\" id=\"block_3318622395f89d61110e71b5726908da\" style=\"--bg-color:#f6b221\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n      <div class=\"testimonials-block__top\">\n        \n        \n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"testimonials-block__inner\">\n      <div data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.trustindex.io\/loader.js?b8fc6472712d039a04765ace0c2\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"container\">\n      <div class=\"testimonials-block__pagination\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n\n  <div class=\"wildlife-detail-heading\">Quicklinks<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\">\n  <div class=\"col-md-12\">\n    <ul class=\"link-list full\">\n                        <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/baby-rats\/\">Baby Rats<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-repellents\/\">Do Rat Repellents Work?<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/winter\/\">Do Rats Hibernate in Winter?<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/dead-rat\/\">Dead Rat<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-droppings\/\">Rat Droppings<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/diseases-from-rats\/\">Diseases from Rats<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-bites\/\">Rat Bites<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-noises\/\">Identify Rat Noises Inside Your Home<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-tracks\/\">Rat Tracks<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-traps-baits\/\">Rat Traps &#038; Baits<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-tunnels-in-attic\/\">Rat Tunnels in Attic<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rats-in-cars\/\">Rats in Cars<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rats-in-crawl-space\/\">Rats in Crawl Space<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rats-in-homes\/\">Rats in Homes<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rats-in-walls\/\">Rats in Walls<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/types-of-rats\/\">Types of Rats<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rats-chew\/\">What Can Rats Chew Through<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/what-do-rats-eat\/\">What Do Rats Eat?<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/what-does-a-rat-look-like\/\">What Does a Rat Look Like?<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <li>\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/where-do-rats-nest\/\">Where Do Rats Nest?<\/a>\n          <\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":32296,"parent":23198,"menu_order":0,"template":"","wildlife_category":[],"wildlife_tag":[],"class_list":["post-24909","wildlife","type-wildlife","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Rat Life Cycle: How Long Do Rats Live?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How long do rats live? Learn about the length and stages of the rat life cycle. Critter Control offers rat control &amp; removal services for rats of any age.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crittercontrol.com\/wildlife\/rats\/rat-life-cycle\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Rat Life Cycle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How long do rats live? Learn about the length and stages of the rat life cycle. 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