NORWAY RATS

Norway rats have a body length of 7-9 inches long with the tail being shorter than the body of 6-8 inches.  They have blunted noses and the ears are smaller than the roof rat.  These rats are typically located in basements or under the home.  The Norway rat is nocturnal and unlike mice they shy away from new objects introduced into their territory.

 The Norway rat prefers to make the nests in lower parts of structures such as basements, sheds and under the foundations of homes and outbuildings.  They can enter into openings ½ inch in diameter.  They can travel from 100 to 300 feet away from their nest for food and water.

It is recommended to put a piece of board inside the water heater closet to prevent them from making nests.  The garage should have a proper weather stripping seal especially at the corners.  Check all the vent screens to the sub-area to make sure they are properly sealed.  Place rocks or something solid where their burrowing holes are located under buildings.  Keep firewood a foot above the ground and away from the house.     

ROOF RATS

The roof rat has a body length of 6-8 inches long with the tail being longer than the body at 7-10 inches long.  The nose is pointy and the ears are smaller than the Norway rat.  They can usually be found running along fences or wires at night.

Roof rats can enter into openings only ½ inch in diameter.  The roof rat is nocturnal and unlike mice they shy away from new objects introduced into their territory. The Roof rats nesting preference is the upper parts of structures but has also been found in basements as well as outdoors in trees and in attics.  Roof rats can travel from 100 to 300 feet away from their nest in search of food and water and usually follow the same routes.

It is recommended to cut back any tree limbs at least 3 feet away from the roof.  Put a piece of board inside the water heater closet to prevent them from making nests.  The garage should have a proper weather stripping seal especially at the corners.  Check all the vent screens in the attic to make sure they are properly sealed.  Keep firewood a foot above the ground and away from the house.