Are Roof Rats Different Than Common Rats?
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Some homeowners may be vigilant in their fight against mice and rats, making sure that there are no holes, cracks, or entryways from the outdoors to inside the house, and taking other preventative measures. These same homeowners are then often greatly discouraged when they find that their efforts seem somewhat fruitless because their roof has been destroyed by roof rats. Roof rats are a different type of rat than the more common Norway rat, and many homeowners don’t even know roof rats exist until it is too late. Roof rats have been given their name because they are a very different type of rat, and they have very different characteristics than the rats often found in homes.
Roof rats are about the same length as Norway rats, being anywhere from 10 – 16 inches in length. However, they are much narrower and slimmer than Norway rats and their physical features are much more mouse-like than other rats. Roof rats have fairly large eyes and their ears are also much bigger and more proportionate to their body. They are also much more flexible than other rats and that’s what gives them the ability to so easily walk and jump along tight spaces such as phone cables and rooftops. Roof rats don’t only look different than other rats, they also act much differently too.
The biggest difference in the behaviour of roof rats versus other rats is that they don’t burrow in nests. Whereas other rats will either burrow into the ground of find house scraps to make a nest with in a home, roof rats prefer to hide in attics, rafters, insulation within ceilings, and of course, roofs. Other rats aren’t really known for being social creatures, and because they’re nocturnal they often become frightened or startled by a human presence. The roof rat is not only cautious of humans and larger organisms, but they are extremely secretive. It’s this secretive behavior that allows them to go undetected for so long. Often, the homeowner finds out that they have roof rats because their roof starts leaking, or because there is other visible roof or ceiling damage.
What does remain the same between other rats and roof rats are preventative measures. To keep roof rats from doing damage to your home, it’s important that you keep the roof area clean and clear of debris. Also, inspect the roof regularly to ensure that there are no holes, cracks, or other apparent damage. Going up onto the roof and looking around regularly is the greatest preventative measure you can take because roof rats are so difficult to detect otherwise.
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