Roof Rat Norway Rat

The roof rat has a longer tail more slender body larger ears larger eyes and a more pointed nose than a norway rat.

Roof rat norway rat.

With a body length of 6 8 inches long. The main difference between roof rats and norway rats is their behavior. Its fur is shaggy and coarse with variation in colors. Norway rats would be considered bottom dwellers and they prefer to live in underground burrows basements tunnels etc.

They re typically found within 100 miles of the gulf coastline or the coastline of the western united states. Norway rats leave a hind foot track of about 3 4 1 inch. Roof rats prefer to live above the ground in trees roofs elevated platforms etc. Splinter from the ninja turtles would be considered a norway rat since he lives in a sewer if this helps you get the picture.

Norway rats close relatives of the roof rats and also known as old world rats or brown rats are less common than roof rats but still a threat. A mouse s tracks will be much shorter. Roof rats are not as common as norway rats. Roof rats are expert climbers and gain access to buildings by climbing onto roofs from trees or overhead utility lines.

In addition to the damage to your property if you have an infestation there are several health risks to you and your family that the rats can create. Roof rat rattus rattus also called black rat ship rat. The nose is blunt with small ears and small eyes. Faster and more agile than norway rats they use their tails for balance on electrical wires much like squirrels.

Additionally the roof rat typically has a much longer tail. Rats will also drag their tails leaving a mark between their feet tracks. Norway rats are excellent swimmers who readily dive through water seals in toilets emerging in toilet bowls. Many folks just refer to this species a black rat.

As you might expect black rats are grayish black with a yellow belly. Indoors runways appear as clean paths through dust or dirt. Both roof rats and norway rats are considered vermin for good reasons. Medium sized chunky rodent with a scaly tail that is shorter than the body.

Adult roof rats measure about eight inches in length while norway rats can be up to ten inches long. The norway rat is larger and more aggressive than the roof rat. As an adult the norway rat can weigh between 12 16 oz. A roof rat weighs between five and eight ounces and measures 12 18 inches long including its tail.

Another way to differentiate between the two rodents is size. 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. Roof rats have black fur with pale underbellies while norway rats have brownish gray coats.

Grease marks from the oil and dirt of rats often appear along walls next to runways.