Life history of the house rat (Rattus rattus L.). Long-term observations in a flourmill near Magdeburg [Zur Lebensweise der Hausratte (Rattus rattus L.). Langjährige Beobachtungen in einer Getreidemühle bei Magdeburg]

A large flour mill near Magdeburg was built in 1912 and has since been infested with house rats (Rattus rattus L.), Observations made over the past decades by personnel interested were acquired, and recorded together with own findings, in the course of which well-known facts of the habits of house rats were confirmed and thought-provoking shades added. Reference is made in this paper to varied issues including degree of infestation, skin colours, food, reproduction, as well as behavioural patterns and the problem area of control and extermination.