How Common Are Roof Rats?
WouterRoof rats are small rodents native to Southeast Asia, and are typically 6 to 8 inches long. They have poor eyesight and poor hearing, but a keen sense of smell, touch, and taste help them navigate through their home environment. They are similar in appearance to house mice, but are smaller and have longer tails.
These rats can be problematic for homeowners. They can cause severe damage by chewing through housing materials and eating stored food. While they usually prefer to build their nests on the upper part of a building, they can also build nests under structures. While their diet is varied, they will feed on meat, grain, fresh fruit, and seeds.
Roof rats range in color from dark brown to black, with gray or lighter undersides. Their tails are long, and they typically weigh five to 10 oz. Unlike most rodents, they do not have a paw. Their small bodies are thin and sleek, and their droppings are usually black or banana-shaped and are about a quarter-to-half-inch long. In addition to droppings, roof rats may also leave dark smears and rub marks.
Roof rats are native to coastal areas. They aren’t as adaptable as Norway rats and haven’t spread across the United States. However, they are found in several other parts of the world, including the Pacific Coast and the Hawaiian Islands. Because they are native to tropical climates, they have not invaded all parts of the country. However, some isolated populations have been found outside their normal distribution areas, and they likely were brought by shipments of goods.
