Hydrex Pest Control - The Roof Rat

The Roof/Black/Ship Rat

Roof rats, also called black rats or ship rats, are smaller in size than Norway rats. The roof rat has soft hair, in contrast to the Norway rat's coarse hair They are around 7" long, with a tail around 8" long. Coloration is a mixture of brown and/or black above, with a sometimes (but not always) lighter belly. Another way to distinguish roof rats from Norway rats is in the face. Roof rats have a more pointy face, with larger eyes and ears. Droppings of the roof rat have pointy ends, whereas Norway rat droppings are rounded on the ends. The name roof rat probably referrs to their preference for higher places in structures and in trees outside. Although sometimes they will nest in basements or burrows underground. This rat shares many common behaviors of other rats. They will destroy items through gnawing, leave greasy rub marks along their pathways, and contaminate food with feces and urine. Foods that they tend to preferr are fruits, vegetables, and cereals - but they will eat other things occasionally.

Pest Control for Rodents