Roof rat, ship rat, black rat...these are all names to describe the roof rat. Sometimes confused with the Norway Rat, the roof rat is found in semi-tropical climates but they are slowly spreading throughout the entire United States. The difference between the two rats can only be determined in the length of their tail. The tail of the Norway rat when pulled forward will reach past the rat's nose. The roof rat, the tail won't reach. Most people would prefer to simply just get rid of the roof rat, not do a hand's on identification.
The roof rat, like its counterpart the Norway rat has long been known to be a carrier plague. If you suspect your home has been invaded by roof rats, your best bet is to call a local exterminator. This way you will have the satisfaction of knowing, a professional is on the job and the rat population will soon diminish.
Once the roof rat takes hold in your home, barn, business or wherever else it desires, their numbers will quickly expand. These rats are acrobats and are generally found over your head instead of under your feet. They generally eat fruits and nuts, but they are ominvores and will eat anything that gets in their way.
There are five to eight mice to a litter and when the young are 14 days old their eyes open and they begin to move about. By the third week their quest for solid food begins. If the rats live in warm climate this breeding cycle continues almost without interruption. The young mice are not easy to catch until they reach sexual maturity at about 3 months old.
Pest Control Tips for dealing with Roof Rats
A combination of glue traps and snap board traps can be used to catch one or two rats, but if your infestation is a heavy one, you would be wise to contact a local pest control company. They will also help you get rid of all the dead rats so that you don't have to deal with the odor caused by decaying rats.
