Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black.
Roof rat vermont.
These rats are omnivores eating foliage like seeds leaves and stems in addition to small prey like birds and insects.
However the two most common types found in the united states are the norway rat and the roof rat.
Also known as black rats even though they vary in color roof rats are rodents that explore both indoors and outside and can be found on roofs in attics rafters the tops of trees and other high places around your home.
The roof rat also called gray bellied rat white bellied rat alexandrine rat black rat and ship rat.
They are located in the coastal areas of the usa since they do not adapt well to cooler temperatures.
Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears a pointed nose and a scaly tail.
Ranging from six to eight inches in length not including their tails roof rats are colorblind and have very poor vision.
Their undersides are often white gray or black.
They do however have extremely strong senses of hearing smell touch and taste.
They currently live throughout the world especially in warmer areas where the proximity of the ocean keeps the climate mild.
Its origins go to the tree forests of southeast asia and are adept for climbing vines wires and narrow ledges.
So do rats live in trees.
Yes if they are roof rats.
Rattus rattus originating in southeast asia roof rats get their name from their love of climbing and living in high buildings.
Roof rats get ferocious and tend to bite or scratch when threatened or cornered.
According to the university of california statewide integrated pest management program uc ipm both species are found where people are present.
Adult roof rats measure 6 8 16 20 cm when combining their head and body length.
Roof rats are a health hazard being one of the oldest transmitters of diseases.