Rats are common across Texas, adapting to various environments. They seek human habitats for food, water, and shelter. Understanding their presence helps Texans manage populations and protect properties.
Common Rat Species in Texas
Two primary rat species are commonly found across Texas: the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the roof rat (Rattus rattus).
The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat or sewer rat, is a larger species, measuring 7 to 10 inches in body length, with a tail shorter than its body. They possess a robust build, a blunt snout, small ears, and coarse brown or gray fur, with a thick, scaly tail. These rats weigh between 7 and 20 ounces.
In contrast, the roof rat, also called the black rat or ship rat, is smaller and more slender. Their body length ranges from 6 to 8 inches, and their tails are longer than their bodies. Roof rats have a sleek build, a pointed snout, large ears, and smooth black or brown fur, with a uniformly dark, thin, and scaly tail. Their lighter build makes them agile climbers.
Typical Habitats and Attractors
Rats seek environments that provide consistent access to food, water, and shelter.
Norway rats inhabit ground-level areas like basements, crawl spaces, and sewers, and are common in agricultural fields and urban areas. They establish nests in underground burrows, building walls, or near feed stores and garbage dumps. These rats are omnivores, consuming grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, and even other rodents.
Roof rats, skilled climbers, prefer elevated spaces. They are found nesting in attics, roofs, trees, and upper building levels. They access homes through overhanging branches, utility lines, or small gaps in rooflines.
These rats are also omnivorous, with a diet including fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects. Both species are attracted to unsecured garbage, pet food, and fruit trees. They also seek water sources like leaky pipes or standing water. Clutter in yards or basements provides ideal nesting materials and hiding spots.
Recognizing and Preventing Infestations
Several signs indicate a rat infestation.
Droppings are a clear indicator, found near food sources, along walls, or in cabinets. Norway rat droppings are larger with blunted ends, while roof rat droppings are smaller and pointed. Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, electrical wiring, or food packaging are another sign, as rats constantly chew to keep their teeth short. Chewed wires can pose fire hazards.
Homeowners may also notice grease marks or smudges along walls and frequently traveled paths, caused by the oils in the rats’ fur. Scratching or scurrying noises from walls, ceilings, or attics, particularly at night, suggest active rodents. Pets may also exhibit unusual behavior, such as pawing at walls, if they detect rats. Nests made of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric also confirm their presence.
Preventing infestations involves several steps. Seal all potential entry points, even those as small as a dime. This includes gaps around windows, doors, vents, pipes, and foundations, which can be filled with steel wool, caulk, or expandable foam. Maintaining cleanliness by storing food in airtight containers, cleaning up spills promptly, and securing garbage bins reduces attractants. Eliminating water sources like leaky pipes and removing clutter from yards and basements also makes properties less appealing to rats.