At what age do rats typically reach reproductive maturity?

Rats typically reach reproductive maturity around three months of age. At this point, female rats can begin to breed and have litters, while male rats achieve the necessary maturity to successfully mate. This early reproductive capability contributes to the rapid population growth seen in rat populations, as a single pair can produce numerous offspring in a short period. Understanding the reproductive cycle and maturity timeline of rats is crucial for effective pest control strategies, as it informs the timing of control measures to prevent population explosions.