If you have a rat problem, you don’t want to waste time on pest control tactics that don’t work. It is important to know what type of rat has infested your home so you can have it properly treated. Keep reading for the key differences between roof rats and Norway rats.

What is The Difference Between Roof Rats and Norway Rats

Both roof and Norway rats are not native to North America. They were stowaways on European ships in the 1700s and were brought here unintentionally. Both species can cause a real headache for home and business owners by chewing, creating nests, and eating food.

Habitat

Roof rats, as their name suggests, prefer high places. They will often be found scurrying across rafters or in attics. They also choose to live in trees or atop vine covered fences. Norway rats live on the lower level of buildings, in basements and in sewers. But don’t decide solely on this factor alone, because roof rats can venture into the lower levels as well, usually after they’ve already taken a firm hold in the higher places of the building.

Appearance

There are three common species of roof rats: the black rat (black with a gray belly), the Alexandrine rat (brown with gray streaks and a gray belly) and the fruit rat (brown with gray streaks and a white belly). Norway rats are usually brown or reddish-gray with light colored bellies.

Roof rats are more slender and graceful-looking compared to Norway rats. Their tails are equal length of the rest of their body, and their pointed muzzles and large ears easily set them apart from Norway rats. They range from 13.75 inches to 17.75 inches, and weigh between 8 and 12 ounces.

In contrast to roof rats, Norway rats have thicker bodies with short muzzles and small ears. Their tails are much shorter than the rest of their body. They are generally the same length as roof rats, ranging from 12.75 inches to 18 inches. Though they are a bit heavier, weighing anywhere between 10 and 17 ounces. Please don’t pick one up to guess its weight.

Behavior

Roof rats love to climb and often get into buildings via trees or utility lines. They are fast and agile and use their tails for balance when walking across electrical wires. Norway rats are natural swimmers who can easily get through water seals in toilets and show up in toilet bowls. They prefer flat surfaces to climbing and get into buildings at or below the ground level.

After ridding yourself of a rat infestation of either type, you can call on RCS to cleanup the area and conduct structural repairs. An electrician may be needed as well.