Roof Rat
Rattus rattus
NuisanceWhat it is
A slender, agile rat with a long tail that readily climbs and often nests above ground in attics, ceilings, trees, vines, and upper structural areas. It is especially common in warmer regions.
How to recognize it
- Slender, about 6 to 8 inches long, with a tail longer than its head and body
- Pointed nose, large ears, and large eyes
- Black, brown, or gray fur
- Droppings about 1/2 inch long, pointed and slightly curved
- Scurrying and scratching in attics or ceilings at night
Where you will find it
Attics, upper floors, rafters, palm trees, dense vines, and along utility lines and fences. They nest above ground more often than burrowing.
More common in southern and coastal areas than in the north.
Why it matters
They contaminate food, gnaw wiring, and can create noise and damage in upper areas.
Look-alikes
- Norway rat: Heavier, with a blunt nose, small ears, and a tail shorter than its body. Burrows at ground level.
- House mouse: Much smaller, with droppings about 1/4 inch long.
What to do
- Remove food sources: pick up fallen fruit and nuts, and keep pet food and birdseed put away.
- Don't try to trap or poison them yourself. Roof rats travel along rafters and wires and are hard to reach.
When to call a professional
- Any sign appears, such as noises in the attic at night, droppings, or gnawing.
Questions
Why are roof rats in my attic?
They climb well and look for warm, sheltered spots high up, often reaching the roof from trees, vines, or wires.
Do roof rats live in cold areas?
They are more common in warm, southern, and coastal areas, but they can turn up elsewhere.
Are they dangerous?
They can spread germs, contaminate food and insulation, and chew wiring, which can be a fire risk.
Related reading
Related pests
Norway Rat
A large, heavy-bodied rat that commonly burrows at ground level and lives around sewers, dumpsters, foundations, crawlspaces, and food facilities. It is an excellent swimmer and usually travels along established runways.
Read more →Rats
Large rodents that burrow around foundations or nest in attics, gnaw wiring and spread contamination. Sanitation and exclusion help, but rats usually call for a licensed professional.
Read more →Chipmunks
Small striped ground squirrels that burrow near foundations, landscaping, retaining walls, and gardens. They can disturb soil, raid birdseed, and occasionally enter garages or structures.
Read more →Deer Mice
Small mice with a brownish back, white underside, large eyes, and a distinctly bicolored tail. They are common in rural or wooded settings and may enter sheds, garages, attics, and homes.
Read more →This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Pests vary by region and situation, and an on-site inspection is the reliable way to know what you have.