North Texas Roof Rats

The common lifespan of these rodents is about one year.

North texas roof rats.

From rat bites and scratches to saliva and urine rats can cause many diseases. As its name implies the roof rat is a rat that likes to climb but they can be found in pretty much any location that offers food. Norway rats range in size from 7 9 inches long including its long thick tail. The two prevalent types of rats in texas are often confused with each other as they look fairly similar.

There are several distinguishing characteristics. The roof rat and the norway rat. Norway rats are poor climbers but excellent swimmers. Rats are some of the most common and formidable pests in the world damaging and contaminating food structures and human health.

They live in trees shrubs vines and dallas attics preferring to travel above ground. Roof rats are black or dark brown rats that are becoming increasingly problematic in central texas and austin. Roof rats are dark brown or black with a contrasting lighter colored underbelly. Roof rats got their name because of the fact that these rodents are natural climbers that prefer to build their nests in high up locations such as in eaves or attic rafters.

By ben russell published november 25 2019 updated on. Although people don t usually see the actual rats signs of their presence are relatively easy to identify. They reside in your attic measure thirteen to eighteen inches in length weigh up to nine ounces and are slender with almost hairless ears. Two primary species of rats inhabit north american homes.

Roof rats are less common than the norway rat known for swarming manhattan sewers and they re arboreal. The body of the adult roof rat grows to about 6 8 inches in length. Roof rats become sexually mature between two and five months producing four to six litters per year that consist of six to eight young each. Roof rats are a health hazard being one of the oldest transmitters of diseases.

Roof rat calls quadruple in north texas pest control company has been busy with animals in local attics after recent freeze. How might you compare a roof rat vs. These bites or scratches can cause what is known as rat bite fever or even tetanus. These texas rats are dark brown or black in color with lighter underbellies.

Roof rats in texas. Unlike the norway rat this type of texas rat is often found climbing trees in order to access buildings through the roof hence their name. Their long scaly tail adds another 6 8 inches onto their. The roof rat can be distinguished from the norway rat because of their smaller leaner bodies and their prowess for climbing.