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Roof Rat Biology

Roof rats are also commonly known as black or ship rats. They are long, slender rodents that reside in arboreal spaces. Roof rats may inhabit trees, roofs, eaves or attics. Their tails are as long as or longer than their bodies.

Three variants of the common roof rat exist. The most common is black in color, with gray fur on the underbelly. These are the most common roof rats. The Alexandrine rat is brown-gray in color, with a gray underbelly. These rats sometimes display albinism. The fruit rat is also brownish-gray in color, but differs from the Alexandrine rat in that its underbelly is white. 

Roof rats can be carriers of several diseases and are formidable pests in human dwellings. They are thought to have been the cause of the Black Death in Europe.  Fleas bit the rats and spread the plague to humans.  Roof rats are also capable of spreading illnesses through their bite, urine and droppings.

 

Roof Rat Behavior

Roof Rat Bait

Roof Rats Diseases

Roof Rat Information