Roof Rats

Also known as black rats or ship rats, roof rats are Old World rodents that were probably brought to North America by accident by early shippers and traders.  They currently live throughout the world, especially in warmer areas where the proximity of the ocean keeps the climate mild.  Roof rats in the United States, for instance, tend to be concentrated in the Southeast, along the West Coast, and on the Hawaiian Islands.  They are often regarded as one of the most serious pest mammals because of their ability to ruin stored grain, spread disease, and damage property.

Homeowners are less likely to see roof rat tracks when the pests live in attics, behind walls, or in crawl spaces.  Squeaking, scratching, or rubbing sounds may indicate their presence in these cases.