Rats

Recognize the signs

Body and tail

Roof rats are generally slender with a tail longer than head and body; Norway rats are more robust with a relatively shorter tail. Photographs need the whole animal.

Activity pattern

Burrows, greasy routes, gnawing and fresh waste help locate activity. A dropping or a noise alone does not confirm species.

Look more closely

Compare the labeled examples and their limits. Images are independently enlarged, not shown at a common scale.

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Differences that change the decision

A similar-looking organism can need a different response. Compare the evidence and what it changes.

Compare every column. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways.

What else could it be?

House mouse

Smaller adults, but young rats overlap; do not choose trap size from droppings alone.

Compare mice ↗

Squirrel

Daytime tree-squirrel activity or nocturnal flying squirrels can explain attic noise.

Compare squirrels ↗

Inspect the right places

1. Trace resources and routes

   Map water, pet feed, fallen fruit, bins and concealed travel paths. Inspect both building levels even when one species seems likely.

2. Find repair needs

   Look for damaged vents, service gaps and door bottoms. Have suspected drain or sewer defects assessed by a qualified trade.

Choose a proportionate response

For pesticides, the local product label determines the allowed pest, site, precautions and timing. Check safety and regional guidance.

1. Remove easy food and water

   Use secure containers, clean feeding areas and correct leaks; include neighbouring shared areas in the plan.

2. Use protected rat traps

   Set rat-sized snap traps along active routes and keep children, pets and other wildlife away. Rats may avoid a new object; prebaiting unset traps can improve acceptance.

3. Close access with durable materials

   Coordinate trapping and repairs so a continuing entry route does not refill the building.

4. Prepare before cleaning

   For a home or outbuilding, open doors and windows for 30 minutes and leave during ventilation. Wear rubber or plastic gloves. Heavy contamination or rodents in ventilation systems need qualified help.

5. Wet-clean droppings and surfaces

   Never dry sweep or vacuum rodent waste. Thoroughly wet urine and droppings with a suitable disinfectant; wait five minutes or the label contact time. Wipe with paper towels into covered rubbish, then disinfect hard surfaces. Wash gloved hands before removing gloves, then wash bare hands with soap and warm water.

6. Dispose of dead rodents and nests

   Wearing gloves, soak the rodent, nest and surrounding area with disinfectant for five minutes or the label time. Seal the waste in one bag, then a second bag, and use covered rubbish or local disposal instructions. Wash gloves before removal and hands afterwards. Follow CDC’s full instructions for reusable traps, other materials and special settings.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not scatter rodenticide, improvise toxic bait or use a product for an unlisted species or site.
• Do not assume bait disappearance means rats ate it or the infestation is controlled.
• Do not expect food cleanup alone to remove established shelter.
• CDC advises against glue boards and live-capture traps for mice and rats: frightened rodents may urinate and increase exposure. Use correctly sized snap traps with protected placement instead.

Check whether it is working

Prevent a return

• Keep bins closed and remove fruit or feed spillage.
• Maintain vents and doors and inspect overhanging access routes.
• Review the entire property when activity returns.

Common questions