Roof Rats Appearance:
The Roof Rat is smaller is size than the Norway Rat. It is also more slender.
It is about 7-10 inches long and weighs about 5-9 ounces.
The Roof Rat has a long tail which is longer than the combined length of the head and body.
The Roof Rats have pointed noses and large ears; they are mistaken for House Mice.
Their fur is smooth, while the Norway Rat's is rough and shaggy.
Click on image to enlarge.
Roof Rats Inspection
Refer to the section on Rodent inspection.
The Roof Rat droppings are spindle shaped and reach about 1/4 inch in size.The Norway Rat's droppings have a capsule shape.
The tail markings and hind feet markings of the Norway Rat and of the Roof Rat are hard to differentiate between each other.
Runways for Roof Rats are difficult to determine.
UV Pro Tracker Urine Tracker Led UV Light to help detect presence of rodent urine for easier inspection.
Roof Rats Diet:
The Roof Rats will eat meat and grain, but their preference is fresh fruits, vegetables,seeds and nuts.
Roof Rats Habits and Biology
The Roof Rats become sexually mature in just a couple months. They have 4-6 litters per year with 4-8 pups per litter.
Because the Roof Rats climb well, common nesting sites are above the ground. They will nest in trees, attics, voids along the roof line, and in ceilings. Like squirrels, they enter homes and are found in attics. If their population grows, they can be found in burrows.
Roof Rats are suspicious like Norway Rats. Be patient in trapping and baiting. It may take a few days for them to adjust to a new change in the environment and take the bait or get trapped.
Peak times for Roof Rat activity is at dawn or dusk; they are nocturnal. If heard during the day, the population is large.