How many litters per year can female roof rats produce?

Female roof rats can typically produce between 4 to 6 litters per year under optimal conditions. This reproductive rate is significant as it allows for rapid population growth, which can make managing roof rat infestations challenging. They reach sexual maturity at approximately 5 weeks old, enabling them to contribute to the population quickly. Understanding their reproduction habits is crucial for effective pest control strategies, as controlling the population requires awareness of their breeding cycles and the potential for multiple litters annually.