Roof Rat
Rattus rattus
Roof rats are sleek, agile rodents with tails longer than their body length. They have dark brown to black fur, large ears, pointed noses, and large eyes. Their droppings are spindle-shaped with point...
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How to Identify Roof Rat
Roof rats are sleek, agile rodents with tails longer than their body length. They have dark brown to black fur, large ears, pointed noses, and large eyes.
Roof rats are sleek, agile rodents with tails longer than their body length. They have dark brown to black fur, large ears, pointed noses, and large eyes. Their droppings are spindle-shaped with pointed ends, about 1/2 inch long. Also called black rats or ship rats.
Roof Rat Behavior & Habits
Understanding how roof rat behave helps prevent infestations
Roof rats are excellent climbers and prefer elevated areas unlike Norway rats. They travel along tree branches, utility lines, and fences to access buildings through roofs. They're less cautious than Norway rats, making them easier to trap. They nest in attics, dense vegetation, and tree canopies.
Roof Rat Risks & Dangers
What roof rat can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Roof rats carry diseases including plague, typhus, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. They're historically responsible for plague epidemics. They contaminate food and create significant health hazards.
Property Damage
Roof rats cause extensive damage to wiring, insulation, stored items, and structures in attics and upper floors. They're significant agricultural pests, damaging citrus and other fruits.
Signs of Roof Rat Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Roof Rat in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Roof rats are less common than Norway rats in Boise but are found in areas with mature trees and orchards. They're more prevalent in the warmer months and in neighborhoods with fruit trees. Climate change is expanding their range northward.
How We Eliminate Roof Rat
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Roof rat control requires treating their elevated habitat: attic trapping, bait stations in attic spaces, exclusion of entry points at roofline, and trimming access routes from trees. Their excellent climbing ability means all potential entry points must be addressed.
How to Prevent Roof Rat
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Roof Rat Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
How do rats get in my attic?
Roof rats are agile climbers that access attics via tree branches touching roofs, utility lines, vines on walls, or gaps at the roofline. They can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category