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Pest library: common household pests

Roof Rat

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Latin Name:

Rattus rattus

Appearance:

Black or brown, seven to 10 inches long, with a long tail, large ears and eyes, and a pointed nose. Body is smaller and sleeker than Norway rat. Fur is smooth.

Habit:

Nests inside and under buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood. Excellent climber that can often be found in the upper parts of structures.

Diet:

Omnivorous, but shows a preference for grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.

Reproduction:

Becomes sexually mature at four months, producing four to six litters per year that consist of four to eight young each. Lives up to one year.

Roof Rat Behavior

Roof Rat Bait

Roof Rats Diseases

Roof Rat Biology

Roof Rat Information

roof rat

Roof Rat FACTS

Very agile; can squeeze through openings only 1/2-inch wide. Carrier of many serious diseases.