How long do rats live in an apartment? - briefly
In a typical apartment setting, rats usually survive for about one to two years, though optimal conditions can extend their lifespan to roughly three years. Their longevity is limited by factors such as disease, limited food sources, and predator control measures.
How long do rats live in an apartment? - in detail
Rats that establish a home inside a residential flat typically reach adulthood within two to three months and then survive for an additional one to two years. The average lifespan under these conditions ranges from 12 to 24 months, although several factors can shift the outcome.
- Species: The common brown (Norway) rat usually lives 18–24 months, while the smaller roof rat averages 12–18 months.
- Food availability: Consistent access to waste, stored food, or pet feed can extend survival; scarcity may shorten it to under a year.
- Shelter quality: Hidden cavities, wall voids, and clutter provide protection from predators and temperature extremes, supporting longer lives. Poorly insulated spaces increase stress and mortality.
- Health and disease: Parasites, bacterial infections, and exposure to rodenticides reduce longevity. Infected individuals often die within weeks.
- Human intervention: Trapping, poisoning, or professional extermination can abruptly end a colony, regardless of natural lifespan.
Environmental conditions inside an apartment—limited predators, stable temperature, and regular food sources—generally allow rats to live near the upper end of their species‑specific potential. However, any disruption to these factors, such as rigorous sanitation or effective pest control, will likely lower the average duration of their presence.