Roof rats, as their name suggests, prefer habitats in higher places. They will nest in attics, trees and roof eaves and can become quite a problem, if not controlled. The social structure of roof rats is similar to other rodents. Dominant males usually get the best food, most desirable habitats and the opportunity to mate with most females. Their ability to breed quickly makes control a priority.
Roof rats can be found in warmer climates. They inhabit most of the southern states, as well as Texas and Arizona. They also can be found in California and Hawaii. Roof rats will breed in large numbers and can quickly infest a building, home or agricultural field. Roof rats prefer fruits and vegetables, and can do extensive damage to citrus crops and sugar cane fields.
In addition to fruits, roof rats consume a variety of other foods, such as domestic animal feed and grain. Roof rats, like all rodents, must gnaw constantly to shape their teeth, so often you can find teeth marks where they dwell. They have also been known to chew electrical wires in attics, creating a significant fire hazard.
Roof rats are nocturnal feeders and will forage for food over large areas. Roof rats commonly will live at one residence and feed at another residence nearby. They are known to hoard food and will stockpile much more than they can consume.
Roof rats are fast moving and excellent climbers. They have an acute sense of hearing and can avoid danger using their senses of hearing and smell. Like other rats, roof rats avoid obstacles placed in their paths. This avoidance makes trapping and baiting difficult, since roof rats will change their foraging paths to go around these unfamiliar objects.