ROOF RAT
What is a roof Rat
Roof rats, sometimes called black rats, are slightly smaller than Norway rats, averaging between 8 to 10 ounces in weight, but remember everything is bigger in Texas (roof rats and roofing go hand in hand). Their characteristic tail is longer than their body and head combined. They have a pointed nose, and hairless ears approximately ¾” long which will pull down and cover their large eyes, it builds leaf and twig nests in trees or it can nest in debris piles, thick mulch on the ground, or in shallow burrows under the tree, especially in hot weather. Roof rats often nest around the base of trees. In livestock feed yards and barns, roof rats often burrow under feed bunks or into hay bales. This agile, sleek rat has a pointed muzzle and tail that is longer than the body and head combined. Many residential homes have roof rats in the attic, and require some sort of a rodent control plan to remediate them like Rapid Rodent Removal provides.
The roof rat is the smaller of the two most common type of rats, as the Norway rat is larger in size. Roof rats are also referred to as black rats or ship rats. The roof rat gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in the upper parts of buildings. Once inside, roof rats not only damage materials by leaving rodent droppings on them, but they also contaminate stored food and serve as vectors of dangerous diseases.
Roof rats are thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, but they are now found worldwide, largely due to the Germans bringing them over in boats during the independence war especially on the east coast. Roof rats are common in coastal states, seaports and the southern third of the country.
Roof Rat Size
A avg roof rat’s size is 13 to 18 inches long. Some roof rats can weigh well over 9 ounces.
roof rat droppings
click below to see if the feces you found isn’t from roof rats
Roof rats texas
How to handle dead rats, rat droppings, and nesting areas
Use rubber gloves.
Ventilate the affected area the night before cleanup by opening doors and windows.
Spray dead rats, droppings, nests and surrounding areas with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach and 9 parts water). Allow at least 15 minutes of contact time before removal.
Clean the affected area with paper towels or a mop. DO NOT SWEEP OR VACUUM. Double bag both the disinfectant-soaked rat and cleanup materials securely in plastic bags and seal. Dispose in city trash containers.
Before removing gloves, wash in disinfectant, then soap and water. Dispose of gloves with other household waste. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water.
Where have roof rats been found?
In swimming pools, laundry rooms, attics, garages and patios. They’ve been seen on power lines in the alleys. Roof rats spend 90% of their life 4 feet or more off the ground.
When do they travel?
During twilight and nighttime hours in a territory, a football fields length, 200 to 300 feet from their daytime nesting locations. They thrive in cool weather and are most active from November through May.
How do they travel?
Roof rats are strongly arboreal and travel along power lines to trees, oleanders, vines and roofs. They can climb up brick walls and other rough surfaces. They can jump 2 feet straight up and 4 feet horizontally (double the horizontal distance if they are jumping from a height). Bear in mind that ground covers and compost bins also provide safe travel routes and nests.
What do they eat and drink?They love to eat citrus fruit (because it serves as both a food and water source) and other fruit (pomegranates, figs, etc.), nuts, seeds and stored grains, and vegetables in your garden. They also eat insects, lizards, tree bark, soap, paper, hides, and beeswax.
Birdseed (both in feeders and stored in bags) and dog and cat food left outside after dark are favorites. Roof rats eat Queen Palm tree fruits in the summer when citrus isn’t available.
Water sources include leaky faucets and sprinkler heads, birdbaths, fountains and ornamental ponds, irrigation, air conditioner condensation drip lines, saucers under potted plants, and pet water dishes. They will chew through metal and plastic pipes to reach water.
Roof Rats Habits and Biology
The Roof Rats become sexually mature in just a couple of months. Females become sexually mature in 68-90 days with 5-8 pups per litter. They have 4-6 litters per year.
Because the Roof Rats climb well, common nesting sites are above the ground. They will nest in trees, attics, voids along the roofline, and in ceilings. Like squirrels, they enter homes and are found in attics. In the absence of Norway rats, or if their population grows, they can be found in burrows or piles of rocks.
Dense vegetation, lush landscapes, fruit trees, dog areas will attract Roof rats. They seek cover. They will also construct globular leafy nests in trees and enter buildings by tree branches, utility lines.
Roof Rats are suspicious like Norway Rats. Be patient in trapping and baiting. It may take a few days for them to adjust to a new change in the environment and take the bait or get trapped.
Peak times for Roof Rat activity is at dawn or dusk; they are nocturnal. If they are heard during the day, the population is large.
Characteristic: Sleek, graceful
Adult size: 5-9oz/150-250g
Length: (nose to tip of tail):6-8 in/16-20cm
Snout: Pointed
Ears: Large, nearly naked;can be pulled over eyes
Eyes: Large, prominent
Tail: Uniformly dark
Fur: Gray to black ; abdomen, gray, or black; smooth
Droppings: Spindle shaped, 1 cm/0.5 inch
Senses:
Sight: Poor,color blind
Smell, Taste, Touch, Hearing: Excellent
Food: Omnivourous, especially fruits, nuts,grains, and vegetable (15-30 grams/day) 0.5-1.0 oz/day
Water: 15-30 ml/day
Feeding Habits: Shy (new object reaction);steady eater
Climbing: Very agile, active climber
Nests: Walls, attics, vines, trees;sometimes burrows
Swimming: Can swim
Home Range Radius: 30-50 m/98-164 ft.
Age at mating (months): 2-3
Breeding season: Spring and Fall peaks
Gestation period (days): 22
Young per litter: 4-8
Litters per year: 4-6
Young weaned/female/year: 20
Length of life: 1 year