Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

Rodents: Deer Mouse | House Mouse | Norway Rat (Brown Rat, House Rat, Wharf Rat, Sewer Rat) | Roof Rat (Black Rat, Ship Rat) | White-footed Mouse

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Roof Rat (Black Rat, Ship Rat)	Rattus Rattus Linnaeus	Mammalia	Rodentia	Muridae

	Size:
	Adults measure about 16 inches in total length from nose to the end of tail. Total head & body length is 6-8 inches (16-20 cm); tail length is 7-10 inches (19-25 cm); weight is about 5-9 ounces.
	Characteristics:
	Dark scaly tail is longer than body. In general, appearance more sleek, soft with smooth fur; pointed muzzle; large eyes; large but almost naked ears which can be pulled over eyes.
	Color:
	Black with brown mixed in, to gray, to black on top with white; gray or black underside.
	Droppings:
	Adult droppings are up to 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) long, and are spindle shaped with pointed ends.
	Where Found:
	Found around the world. In the U.S. most common in coastal and southern states, especially near seaports.
	Comparison:
	Norway Rat (Brown Rat, House Rat, Wharf Rat, Sewer Rat) is large, has a blunt muzzle, small eyes, small ears that are hairy, a tail that is shorter than head and body length, and is 2-colored; rod shaped droppings with blunt ends. Hispid Cotton Rat has tail length about half of head and body, coarse fur that is grayish on top and mixed buff, whitish and black on underside. House Mouse is small, short, with tail about same length as head and body; droppings 1/8-1/4 inch (3-6 mm) long, rod shaped with pointed ends. Most native rats and mice have hairy tails; or if tails are almost naked, they appear to be ring-like segments.
	Habitat:
	Prefers elevated areas of treetops and roofs. Outdoors: nest in high places such as trees, but sometimes in burrows under plants. Indoors: nest in high places in structures, but sometimes in basements, sewers, or under buildings.
	Food:
	Almost anything, but prefers fruits, vegetables and cereal products. Gets water often from food. Eats a lot at one time, and will return to that place time after time. If they do not like a food or bait they quickly become shy of it.
	Biology:
	Mature in 2-5 months, and are adults for 9-12 months. Pregnancy takes 3 weeks. Newborns get hairs after 1 week, open eyes after about 2 weeks, are weaned at 3-4 weeks. Female has 4-6 litters per year, with 6-8 young per litter. Have keen hearing, smell, taste and touch (long whiskers), but bad vision and are color blind. Good at running, climbing, jumping, and swimming. Nocturnal and explore a lot, but are cautious and shy away from new objects.
	Damage:
	Eat stored food and transmit disease by droppings, urine, bites, fleas, and mites in their fur.
	Invasion:
	An opening larger than 1/2 inch (12 mm) allows into buildings.
	Control:
	Overall, the key to rodent control involves sanitation, harborage elimination and rodent-proofing the structure. Gnaw marks, droppings, footprints, ‘tail-drag’ marks, and dark greasy markings from rubbing against surfaces are signs of infestation. Eliminating clutter and excess storage will allow for the setting of control measures and the monitoring of the population decrease. Cleaning up of spillage will enhance the chances of rodents visiting control measures. Elimination of rodent evidence will allow monitoring population control. Exclusion is an important aspect of rodent control in structures. Most of the rodent problems are due to indigenous species finding their way into our homes or business for food or shelter. Rodents can fit through small openings due to their ability to ‘flatten’ their bodies. ½ inch can allow entry for rats. It is important that a thorough inspection be performed for the purpose of identifying entry points and repairing them. This is the only way to achieve long-term control in areas were this rodent is indigenous. Once entry points have been repaired, use of mechanical trapping devices is recommended inside. We do not recommend the use of rodenticides inside residential properties. Rodenticides can be used outside as long as they are kept away from children or pets. When using any rodenticide, read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions. When dealing with long-term problems, we recommended using a professional exterminator for best results.