Page 186 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

ROOF RAT ROOF RAT

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

ROOF RAT ROOF RAT

Life Cycle
The female Roof rat reaches sexual maturity at 3 months of age. They
are in heat approximately every 4-5 days. The gestation period is 21 to
23 days, with each litter being 5-8 pups. After giving birth the female is
capable of being in heat again in 24 to 48 hours, so many generations
can be produced each year.
6 1/2 to 8”

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
Actual size 6 1/2 to 8”
ROOF RAT

Roof Rats are probably the most common rat species found. They are also known as Alexan-
drian rats, Black rats, Fruit rats and Ship rats. They will explore their usual territory daily, cover-
ing about 100 to 300 feet. Rats will frequent the same areas and travel the same runways daily.
Because they are nocturnal by habit, most of their activity is at night. The body is slender, from
6 1/2 to 8 inches long. They have an average weight of 6 to 12 ounces. Their color varies from
black to brownish-gray, with the underside being gray to white. The tail is hairless and longer
than the head and body, from 7 1/2 to 10 inches long.
Roof rats will not only nest in trees (especially palms), ivy, and ground cover, but also in upper
portions of buildings. They are omnivores--their food source consists of snails, fruits, grains,
vegetables, nuts and seeds, pet food and items from unsealed garbage containers, and just
about anything leftover from humans. Rats visit fewer food sites than mice, but will eat more at
each site. They usually consume 1/2 to 1 ounce of food daily, and drink up to 1 ounce of water
daily. A water source is also essential. The Roof rat is distinguished by its larger ears, pointed
nose, a tail that is longer than the body, and an average body weight of 6-12 ounces. Roof rats
also have an acute sense of smell. Best suited for tropical and semitropical zones, Roof rats are
found along the Pacific Coast, in Hawaii, along the lower half of the East Coast, throughout the
Gulf States and major river systems (i.e., Mississippi River).

Rats spread disease, damage structures, and contaminate food, animal feed, and the environ-
ment around them. Because a single pair of rats shed more than one million body hairs each
year, and a single rat will produce 25,000 droppings per year, contamination is a serious prob-
lem. Additionally, the physical damage to structures which can include electrical, plumbing, and
woodwork problems can be extensive and costly.

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