Roof Rat Infestation
Species
How to Identify a Roof Rat Infestation and Damage
Roof rats are agile climbers, and they live up high: in attics, in the gaps behind soffits, in dense palms and vines, and in treetops. Because they spend so much time in the upper parts of a home, they tend to do more structural damage than Norway rats, gnawing on rafters, wiring and ductwork and shredding insulation for nests. Given a choice, they nest above the ground and seldom dig burrows. They eat fruit, nuts, seeds, snails and slugs, and in Florida they are known for raiding citrus and avocado trees. Fruit hollowed out while still on the branch, with only the rind left hanging, is a classic sign.
Spotting a roof rat in daylight is a warning. It usually means the colony has outgrown its hiding places or something has flushed the rats out, such as roof work or tree trimming. Droppings tell you a lot as well.
Roof rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long, slender and pointed at the ends. Norway rat droppings are bigger, about 3/4 inch, with blunt ends. Also look for dark, greasy rub marks along beams, pipes and the edges of openings where rats squeeze past. Indoors, roof rats usually nest in attic insulation or stored items up high. See how to get rid of roof rats for next steps.
Roof Rat Photos
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