The roof rat is the sleek climbing rat that nests high — in attics, rafters, trees, and upper cabinets — rather than burrowing. It is common in warmer parts of the CSRA.

How to identify the Roof Rat

Slimmer and darker than the Norway rat, 6–8 inches in the body with a tail longer than the body, large ears, and a pointed nose. Droppings are smaller with pointed ends.

Behavior & biology

An agile climber that travels utility lines and branches to enter roofs and attics. It prefers fruit, nuts, and seeds and nests above ground.

Why Roof Rats are a problem

It contaminates stored food and attic insulation, gnaws wiring in ceilings and walls, and spreads disease. Because it lives overhead, activity is often heard before it is seen.

Signs of an infestation

Pointed droppings in attics and cabinets, gnawing overhead, nighttime scrabbling in ceilings, and grease trails along rafters and pipes.

How we handle Roof Rats in the CSRA

Our dogs confirm whether noises overhead are active rats and where they are traveling — see K9 rodent detection, backed by our rodent control service. Call 803-226-3155 to schedule. See more in our pest library.