There are three (3) common types of rodents here in Dubai.

1. Black rat:

(Rattus rattus) also called roof rat. In urban area they are found mostly in warehouses, residential buildings, and other human premises. Black rat is omnivorous and preferred high moisture content food. The size of black rate is ranging from 5 – 7 inches, slender body, tail is longer than rest of the body, mouth is pointed , eyes are big and prominent, white abdomen, smooth fur and ears are big and prominent. Black rat have 3 -5 litters/year and each litter they has 5 – 7 young rats. Black rat dropping are black shinny and sharp from both sides and mainly found in false ceiling.

2. Brown rat:

(Rattus norvegicus) also called Norway rat. Brown rat can be found in or around the warehouses, office buildings, barns, cellars, sewers, garbage dumps and other area where access to food is easy. Size of brown rat is ranging from 7 – 12 inches, sturdy body, small ears and eyes, tail is shorter than rest of the body, stunted mouth and fur is rough. Brown rat is also omnivorous but likes to eat the cereals and grains in which the moisture content is low. Dropping of brown rat are rough look and sharp from one end and blunt the other end. Brown rat is generally weak climber. Female brown rat generally producing 6 – 7 litters/year and each litter have 15 off-springs.

3. House mice/mouse:

(Mus muscullus) live mostly inside the apartments, offices, rooms, storage boxes, sheds, cabinets, basements etc. where the food and water source is nearby. House mice have pointed snout, small rounded ears, size is mostly 3 inches, colour is dark brown to grey. House mice are good climber and swimmer.