Rats

Not all rats behave the same, or live in the same places. In Western North Carolina, you’re most likely to run into two species: Norway Rats and Roof Rats. Knowing which one you’re dealing with can make a big difference when it comes to trapping, baiting, and exclusion.

• Norway Rats (Brown Rats): These are the heavyweight champs of the rat world. Norway rats have thick, dense bodies and prefer to stay low to the ground. You’ll often find them burrowing under foundations, nesting beneath porches, or slipping into crawl spaces and basements. Because they’re poor climbers, they’re rarely found above ground level.
• Roof Rats (Black Rats): Slimmer and more athletic, roof rats are skilled climbers that love elevation. They tend to nest in attics, soffits, wall voids, and rooflines, getting in through vents or gaps near eaves. Their lean build and long tails make it easy for them to scale siding, vines, or nearby trees to gain access to upper levels.

Rats can be mistaken for large mice, but they’re built differently, and their size alone is a giveaway. Here’s how to tell them apart at a glance:

• Size: Adult rats typically measure between 7 and 10 inches from nose to rump, with an additional 6–8 inches of thick, scaly tail. That’s more than double the size of a typical field mouse.
• Fur Color:
  • Norway rats have coarse, brown or gray fur and a lighter belly.
  • Roof rats are sleeker, with dark brown or black fur and a pale underside.
• Head & Facial Features: Rats have broader, more robust heads than mice. Their ears and eyes are proportionally smaller, and their snouts are blunt; not pointy like a mouse’s. Norway rats have smaller, beady eyes, while roof rats have slightly larger eyes suited for nighttime movement.
• Tails: Thick, hairless, and scaly, rat tails are one of their most distinguishable features, often longer than their body in roof rats and slightly shorter in Norway rats.

Rats are highly adaptable and surprisingly clever, which makes them harder to control than many other pests. Here’s what to know about how they behave in and around Western NC homes:

• Nocturnal Scavengers: Rats do most of their foraging at night, when your home is quiet. If you’re hearing scratching in the walls or finding food containers chewed through in the morning, you’re likely dealing with nighttime activity.
• Highly Intelligent, Cautious Movers: These rodents are smart and they learn quickly. Many rats show “bait shyness,” meaning they’ll avoid traps or unfamiliar objects until they’ve had time to assess them. That’s why DIY methods can be hit-or-miss, especially with established infestations.
• Prolific Breeders: A single pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in one year. That’s part of what makes rat infestations in Western NC escalate so quickly once they get started.
• Quiet, Hidden Nesters: Rats prefer dark, undisturbed areas where they can build nests from shredded insulation, fabric, paper, and other soft materials. Common nesting spots include:
  • Wall voids and attic insulation
  • Crawl spaces and under-floor areas
  • Behind appliances or stored clutter
  • Burrows outside near foundations
• Territorial Behavior: Once rats find a reliable food and shelter source, they’ll defend that space and return to it repeatedly—especially if entry points aren’t sealed.

Seasonal Insight: Rat infestations are more common in fall and winter as they seek warmth and shelter indoors. Watch for signs as the temperature drops.

• Block gaps in walls, crawlspaces, attics, and around plumbing
• Use metal mesh, steel wool, or other chew-proof materials
• Install door sweeps and attic vent covers

• Store food—including pet food—in airtight containers
• Take out garbage regularly and secure trash bins
• Fix leaks and clean up standing water
• Improve water runoff by installing sufficient drainage systems

• Remove clutter and debris inside storage spaces
• Enlist the help of a professional who can remove or prune overgrown shrubs and trees near your home
• Store firewood away from the house

Use Natural & Mechanical Deterrents

• Try peppermint oil at common entry points
• Use ultrasonic repellents or secure bait stations
• For persistent rat problems, professional help is the safest bet

Quick Tip: Rats don’t need much to survive: just shelter, a few crumbs, and water. That’s why proactive rodent prevention is key year-round.

Look at the droppings and noise level. Rat droppings are larger, and their movement is louder and more disruptive.

Yes. Rats spread disease, gnaw through wiring, and leave droppings and urine throughout the home.

Common areas include walls, attics, basements, crawlspaces, and piles of clutter inside or out.

Professional trapping, baiting, and sealing off entry points is the most effective long-term solution.

Absolutely. Rats can carry salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and more. They can also contaminate food and surfaces. Learn more about rodent-related dangers and how to protect your home.