Roof Rat
Rattus rattus
Agile climbers that infest attics, roofs, and upper levels of buildings. Also known as black rats or ship rats, they are the most common rat pest in Southern California's warmer climates.
Appearance
Sleek body, 6 to 8 inches long with a tail longer than the head and body combined. Fur is black to dark brown with a lighter gray or white belly. They have large ears, a pointed snout, and large eyes.
Behavior
Excellent climbers that nest above ground in trees, attics, and roof spaces. They are nocturnal and follow regular pathways along pipes, beams, and wires. They are omnivorous but prefer fruits, nuts, and seeds. Females can have 4-6 litters per year.
Habitat
Attics, roofs, upper wall voids, palm trees, and dense vegetation. They enter buildings through gaps in the roof, vents, and tree branches touching the structure.
Signs of Infestation
Droppings (1/2 inch, pointed ends) in attics and along beams. Gnaw marks on wires, wood, and pipes. Grease and rub marks along walls and beams. Scratching and scurrying sounds at night, especially from the ceiling. Nests made of shredded material in hidden spaces.
Health Risks
They spread diseases including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. Their urine and droppings can contaminate food and surfaces. They also cause structural damage by chewing wires (fire hazard) and wood.
Prevention Tips
Trim tree branches at least 4 feet away from the roof. Seal roof gaps and vent openings with hardware cloth. Keep attics well-ventilated and clutter-free. Store food in sealed containers. Secure trash cans. Remove fruit that has fallen from trees.
Common Questions About Roof Rat
Local infestation questions homeowners ask about Roof Rat across our LA County and Kern County service areas.
Scratching, scurrying, or rolling sounds at night in the attic are a classic sign of roof rats. Roof rats are excellent climbers that nest in attics, enter through roof gaps and overhanging branches, and are most active after dark. They chew wires (a fire hazard) and contaminate insulation. We recommend trimming tree branches at least 4 feet from the roof, sealing vent and roof gaps, and scheduling a professional rodent inspection.
Trim tree branches at least 4 feet away from the roof, seal gaps around roof vents and eaves with hardware cloth, secure trash cans, and remove fallen fruit. Roof rats access roofs via overhanging branches and utility lines, so eliminating these pathways is the most effective prevention. We also provide exclusion services to seal entry points.
Granada Hills properties bordering open space and the foothills see heavy roof rat pressure because rats migrate in from natural areas, especially in fall. They access roofs via overhanging branches and utility lines, nesting in attics where they chew wiring. Trimming branches at least 4 feet from the roof and sealing entry gaps before fall is critical for hillside-adjacent homes.
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