Roof Rats

Overview

The roof rat is the smaller of the two commensal rats, as the Norway rat is larger in size. Roof rats are also referred to as black rats or ship rats. The roof rat gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in the upper parts of buildings. Once inside, roof rats not only damage materials by gnawing through them, but they also contaminate stored food and serve as vectors of dangerous diseases.

Roof rats are thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, but they are now found worldwide, especially in the tropical regions. Roof rats are common in coastal states, seaports and the southern third of the country.

What Roof Rats Look Like

Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears, a pointed nose and a scaly tail. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black. Their undersides are often white, gray or black.

Adult roof rats measure 6-8” (16-20 cm) when combining their head and body length. Their tails are notably longer than their heads and bodies, measuring 7-10” (19-25 cm). This means that roof rats can measure more than 40 cm long. They usually weigh 5-9 ounces (150-250 g), but can grow up to 12 ounces (340 g).

Roof rats are omnivorous and willing to eat practically anything available to them. However, they prefer to feed on seeds, nuts, fruits and berries when in season. Additionally, they will feed on slugs and snails, which may become a large part of their diet. Roof rats also feed on insects including American and brown cockroaches. If they live near bodies of water, they will eat fish, shellfish and other aquatic organisms.

Roof rats typically feed at dusk and again prior to dawn, although they will forage several times per night and during the day. Roof rats in particular are food hoarders, meaning that they have been known to stash supplies of things such as nuts and seeds. When eating, they prefer to be in a sheltered or hidden environment.

Behavior & Habitat

Roof rats are primarily nocturnal, and thrive in cool weather. They forage for food in small groups of up to ten and tend to return to the same food source time after time, following the same pathway between their nest and food. Though their excellent climbing abilities allow them to easily access the upper parts of structures, they are also highly adaptable and can survive in a variety of environments.

Typically living in colonies, roof rats prefer to nest in the upper parts of buildings, such as attics and rafters. They can also be found under, in and around structures, as well as in piles of wood or debris. Generally preferring sheltered or covered habitats, roof rats are attracted to lush landscapes, dense vegetation and fruit trees. As result, properties with heavy shrubbery, woodpiles and storage boxes are more prone to roof rat infestations.

When looking for indoor shelter, roof rats will enter structures through any access point larger than a nickel. Seeking safety from predators and places to nest, they enter garages, sheds and homes by following pipes or gnawing through materials such as drywall, aluminum siding, and wood.

Roof rats only live up to one year, but have the ability to produce as many as 40 new offspring during their lifetime.

Signs of an Infestation

There are many key indicators of a roof rat infestation in the home. First and foremost, seeing an actual rodent, dead or alive, is a telltale sign of a potential roof rat problem. Another common sign of a roof rat infestation is the presence of droppings around the home. Fresh roof rat droppings are soft and moist, whereas old droppings are hard and dried. The droppings usually measure about ½” (12-13 mm) and have pointed ends. Droppings from Norway rats are larger – measuring about ¾” (18-20 mm) with blunt ends. The discovery of gnaw marks, damaged goods, nests or greasy rub marks also indicates roof rat activity. Other common signs of an infestation are noises in the attic or house walls and damaged electrical wires. Learn more about common signs of a rodent infestation .

Are Roof Rats Dangerous?

Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. Though transmission is rare today, there are still a handful of cases in the U.S. each year. Roof rats can also carry fleas and spread diseases such as typhus via fleas, infectious jaundice via urine in water or food, rat-bite fever via bites, trichinosis via undercooked pork and salmonellosis via droppings. Additionally, these rodents can cause food poisoning by contaminating food or food preparation surfaces.

Similar to many other rodent species, roof rats may show aggression when threatened. In self-defense, they may bite or chase. Diseases including rat-bite fever can be transmitted through a roof rat bite or scratch. Symptoms of rat-bite fever include vomiting, headache, fever, and muscle and joint pain. Learn more about the health threats posed by rodents like the roof rat.

Prevention & Control

To prevent a roof rat infestation, seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter with silicone caulk and be sure that all windows and vents are screened. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the building and cut back limbs overhanging the roof. Roof rats are drawn to any accessible food sources, so clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard and keep garbage in tightly covered receptacles. Be sure to also store pet food and other dry food in sealed containers. Additionally, eliminate any outdoor sources of water such as leaky sprinkler heads, pet water dishes and birdbaths. For more prevention tips, click here to read our article on “10 Easy Tips to Prevent Mice and Rodents Inside the Home.”

If you suspect a roof rat infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct an inspection and work with you to develop a roof rat treatment plan. You can find one near you with the helpful zip code search below.

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Common questions about Roof Rats

Are Roof Rats dangerous?

Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. Though transmission is rare today, there are still a handful of cases in the U.S. each year. Roof rats can also carry fleas and spread diseases such as typhus via fleas, infectious jaundice

What do Roof Rats look like?

Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears, a pointed nose and a scaly tail. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black. Their undersides are often white, gray or black.

What are signs of Roof Rats?

There are many key indicators of a roof rat infestation in the home. First and foremost, seeing an actual rodent, dead or alive, is a telltale sign of a potential roof rat problem. Another common sign of a roof rat infestation is the presence of droppings around the home. Fresh r

How do I get rid of Roof Rats?

To prevent a roof rat infestation, seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter with silicone caulk and be sure that all windows and vents are screened. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the building and cut back limbs overhanging the roof. Roof rats are drawn to any a

Related Rodents

• Deer Mice
• House Mice
• Norway Rats

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