A Look at Roof Rats

Rats are major pests in both urban and rural settings. If you suspect a rat or mice infestation in your home, contact a professional who specializes in rat and mice removal in Chicago. The best way to prevent a rodent infestation is by rat and mouse proofing your home.

Roof rats ( Rattus rattus), also commonly known as black rats or ship rats, are an introduced species to the United States. Originating in tropical Asia, they quickly spread though Europe during the 1 ^st century, and eventually stowed away on ships that helped to distribute them across the world. These rats are smaller than their more adaptable and widespread cousins the brown rats ( Rattus norvegicus)—also known as common rats or sewer rats—and are famously known to have been responsible for spreading the bubonic plague throughout Europe during in the Late Middle Ages. Like house mice ( Mus musculus), roof rats tend to forage for food at night and live in sizeable social groups or colonies, often in the highest parts of buildings. These rats prefer warmer climates, and can be carriers and transmitters of many infectious diseases.