Though there are many types of rats found across the mid atlantic states two that cause issues for residents and business owners are roof rats and norway rats.
Roof rat vs norway.
This type of rat is also called many other names including a brown rat sewer rat common rat street rat or wharf rat.
However there is another type of rat the woodrat that lives in certain parts of the country and can be a problematic pest to humans.
The most common species of rats in the united states are the norway rat and the black rat.
Let s take a closer look at these animals and understand what they are where they are found and what makes them unique.
Distinguishing norway rats from roof rats people refer to rats by many names brown rat vs.
Roof rats will be more commonly found in your attic while norway rats on the ground level.
Black rat for example without realizing that many describe the same two species.
Oregon pest control rats roof rat norway rat.
If you spot either a roof rat or a norway rat you should be able to tell which is which relatively easily.
Unlike the roof rat the norway rat the species with the scientific name rattus norvegicus prefers to be underground but can be found in a variety of places including under buildings in dumps and on farms.
Roof rats are not as common as norway rats.
Since you rarely see the rats little poop clues will help you determine which type you are dealing with.
Medium sized slender rodent with large ears and a long thin scaly tail generally longer than body.
Norway rat rattus norvegicus also called brown rat.
While these pests.
They re typically found within 100 miles of the gulf coastline or the coastline of the western united states.
Roof rats are excellent climbers while norway rats are excellent swimmers.
A roof rat will be colored brown or black and if you have ever had the opportunity to view one up close or even hold.
Roof rat rattus rattus also called black rat ship rat.
Differences between roof rats and norway rats.
Roof rats are expert climbers and gain access to buildings by climbing onto roofs from trees or overhead utility lines.
The most common home invading rodents norway rats and roof rats can be identified in several ways.
Faster and more agile than norway rats they use their tails for balance on electrical wires much like squirrels.
Medium sized chunky rodent with a scaly tail that is shorter than the body.
Roof rat poop will be about a 1 2 long.
Published on september 3 2019 march 25 2020.
The roof rat is the smaller of the two and it is often mistaken for a mouse due to their large ears and pointed noses.
Norway rats are excellent swimmers who readily dive through water seals in toilets emerging in toilet bowls.