What is a key characteristic of Norway rats?

Norway rats are commonly known for their specific dietary needs, which include the characteristic that they require approximately 1 ounce of food per day. This information is crucial for pest control professionals to know, as understanding the eating habits of Norway rats helps in assessing infestations and devising effective control strategies.

The dietary requirement indicates the potential scope that these pests have, as they are opportunistic feeders, often consuming whatever food sources are available in their environment, making them a concern in urban and agricultural areas. Recognizing the specific amount of food they need per day helps pest control professionals to set effective monitoring and baiting strategies aimed at controlling their populations.

Regarding the other characteristics, while they may relate to Norway rats, they are not defining features in the same way. For example, Norway rats actually have shorter tails compared to their body length, rather than longer tails. Their jumping ability is limited, but it's not a defining characteristic when identifying them compared to their dietary habits. Similarly, their droppings can vary in size and shape but are generally more robust than spindle shaped, and understanding these facts helps in differentiation from other rodent species.