Roof Rat

Roof rats weigh about 5-9 ounces. and measure between 14 -18 inches in length from head to tail. The color of the fur is grayish black to a solid black and the belly varies from and off-white to all grey. Roof rats have long slender bodies with large ears and a long hairless tail. Unlike Norway rats, their tails are longer than their head and body combined.

Roof rats are said to have originated from Southeast Asia but are now found worldwide especially in coastal areas and ports.

Roof rats are omnivorous preferring seeds, nuts, fruits. They will also feast on slugs, snails, fish, and shellfish.

When inside our structures roof rats will often eat common structure infesting roaches like the American and German cockroaches.

Roof rats are actively nocturnal and forage several times during the night and sometimes even during the day.

Roof rat nests are often found in the upper portions of structures and hidden places like wall voids.

A female roof rat can breed year-round, and in a single year, she can breed as many as 48 young. Rodent litters average 6 to 8 rats in size. Their life span is about one year.

1. Roof rats are known as being hoarders and will often stash or steal food and items from a homeowner within their nests.
2. Roof rats have balance like no other. This is mostly in part due to their long tail that they use as a balancer when navigating along narrow pipes, beams, and ledges.
3. Roof rats have established social systems and like to stick together. This is most likely where the term “rat pack” came from.
4. Roof rats do require fresh water (15ml to 30ml per day) and cannot live long without it.
5. Limiting water sources around your home eliminates an attractant for rats. Think leaking hoses, standing water in potted plants, stored tires, etc.