Norway Rats Roof Rats Big Mice

Roof rats have a typical lifespan of one year which limits how big they can become.

Norway rats roof rats big mice.

Whereas the norway rat prefers its subterranean abodes the roof rat enjoys nesting in attics roofs and even treetops. Roof rats are not as common as norway rats. Norway rats are the larger of the two species up to about twice the size of roof rats. Two species of nonnative rats are the primary pests in california urban areas and urban gardens the norway rat also known as sewer rat brown rat or common rat rattus norvegicus.

And also because the norway rat can quickly adapt to the changes in the temperature compared to the roof rats. The droppings are capsule shaped and have blunt ends. The roof rat has a more limited geographical range than the norway rat preferring ocean influenced warmer climates. Also called the black rat ship rat or old english rat the roof rat measures 6 8 inches long and has a tail that s slightly longer than its body.

Because norway rats tend to be larger their droppings are also larger about 3 4 inch long whereas roof rat droppings are usually about half an inch. Norway rats will leave a mark as they drag their tails between their feet. The roof rat feces are spindle shaped and reach about 1 2 inch in size the norway rat s droppings have a capsule shape. Another way to differentiate between the two rodents is size.

Facts about rats roof rat or black rat. If you are unsure of the species look for rats at night with a strong flashlight or trap a few. Roof rats have black fur with pale underbellies while norway rats have brownish gray coats. Norway rats and roof rats will leave a hind foot track of about 3 4 1 inch where a mouse s track measure s 3 8 of an inch or less.

In areas where the roof rat occurs the norway rat may also be present. Roof rats possessing a long tail. Also known as black rats or ship rats roof rats are outstanding climbers. The diet of the roof rats is entirely different from their brethren species.

While roof rats excel scaling your roof norway rats are powerful swimmers. To catch roof rats and other rat species place tomcat mechanical traps within 100 feet of the rats suspected nest. Roof rats being the smaller sized ones with a considerably slender body. The ultimate size of a roof rat is also limited by its food supply.

And the roof rat also known as black rat or house rat rattus rattus. Roof rats typically live in trees including palms or elevated structures where there is an adequate but rarely an abundant food source. Additionally the roof rat typically has a much longer tail. Norway rats tend to look more well fed and rounder than roof rats with small eyes close set ears and a shorter tail.

The tail markings and hind feet markings of the norway rat and of the roof rat are hard to differentiate between each other. They re typically found within 100 miles of the gulf coastline or the coastline of the western united states. On the basis of the tail size.