Roof rats are sleek, darkly colored rats that are also known as ship or black rats. They have long bodies and tails and they prefer making their nests above ground in trees, attics and the roof eaves of houses.
Roof rats have three main subspecies that comprise the group. The roof rat is the most common of the three types. It is black in color, with light black or gray fur on its belly. These rats were the main species that migrated to North America on the ships of the European colonists, settling the continent.
The Alexandrine rat is another type of roof rat. It is lighter in color, usually brownish-gray and has a gray underbelly. This coloring is also called agouti coloring.
Fruit rats are the other subspecies of roof rats. All roof rats prefer fruit, but the fruit rat makes its habitat in orchards and will ravage citrus crops and other fruit crops, causing significant damage and losses to farmers.
Roof rats are phenomenal climbers and will nimbly walk along wires like tightrope walkers between houses. They are very fast and agile, and difficult to spot in your home, due to their nocturnal, secretive nature. Roof rats will hoard their food that they forage, storing much more than they could eat at one time.
All rats are known for their ability to overrun a home if left unchecked and the roof rat is no exception. They are amazing breeders and can easily give birth to over 40 young per year. Finding evidence of roof rats can be difficult, since they usually live in ceilings and attics, where there is little human activity. If you spot any roof rat signs, consult a pest control professional.