Key Takeaways
- There are approximately 60 different types of rats identified worldwide, and researchers continue to discover and document new species.
- Norway rats are the most common rat species in the United States.
- Common rat species include the Norway rat, roof rat, wood rat, marsh rice rat, and cotton rat.
- Each species has its own size, coloring, and nesting habits, which can help you identify where rats may be hiding in or around your home.
- The BARRIER+™ program from OPC Pest Services targets common rodent entry points to help prevent unwanted pests from getting inside your home.
Rats come in more varieties than you might think. So, how many different types of rats are there? There are more than 60 known species worldwide, but homeowners in the Midwest are most likely to encounter just a handful.
Knowing which rats are common in your area can help you recognize the signs of a potential problem and understand what to look for around your property. Let’s take a closer look at the most common rat species, what makes each one unique, and how OPC can help protect your home.
How Many Different Types of Rats Are There?
Researchers have identified approximately 60 different species of rats around the world. That number can change as scientists continue to discover and document new species, expanding our understanding of these animals and how to manage them when they become household pests.
The good news for most homeowners is that you typically only need to be concerned about a small number of rat species in the United States. Some are more likely to seek shelter near people, making it important to understand their habits, preferred nesting spots, and the places they may use to access your home.
What Is the Norway Rat?
Don’t let the name fool you! Norway rats aren’t limited to Norway. In fact, they’re the most common rat species in the United States. Also known as brown rats, these rodents are recognizable by their brownish-gray fur and large bodies. Norway rats are among the largest rat species, measuring approximately 15 to 20 inches long from nose to tail and weighing anywhere from half a pound to two and a half pounds. They also have relatively small eyes and shorter ears compared with roof rats.
When it comes to finding shelter, Norway rats prefer to burrow at ground level. They typically build nests lined with materials such as paper or cloth and stay close to reliable food sources. Gardens, fields, and areas around trash piles can all provide attractive places to nest.
What Is the Roof Rat?
Roof rats are generally smaller than Norway rats, measuring approximately 11 to 15 inches long from nose to tail and weighing around half a pound. One distinguishing feature is their ears, which are typically larger and taller than those of Norway rats.
As their name suggests, roof rats are excellent climbers. Rather than burrowing at ground level, they prefer to nest in elevated areas such as attics, ceilings, and other high-up spaces. Their climbing ability makes it easier for them to reach parts of your home that other rodents may have more difficulty accessing. Trees or rooflines can provide opportunities for roof rats to get inside.
Hearing scratching or scurrying sounds in your attic or ceiling? A roof rat could be the culprit. Identifying the source of those noises can help you determine whether you have a rodent problem that needs professional attention.
What Is the Wood Rat?
Also known as the pack rat, the wood rat has a different appearance from what many people picture when they think of a typical rat. With its larger ears and eyes, along with shorter, sleeker fur, it can look more like an oversized mouse. Wood rats weigh approximately half a pound to one and a half pounds. They’re also known for an unusual habit: collecting items that catch their interest and carrying them back to their nests. This behavior is how they earned the nickname “pack rat.”
Like roof rats, wood rats can sometimes be found nesting in attics in the United States. Their tendency to gather and transport objects can make their presence particularly noticeable when they settle near a home.
What Is the Marsh Rice Rat?
The marsh rice rat is considerably smaller than many other rat species. It weighs approximately three ounces and reaches no more than 12 inches in length. One of its most noticeable features is its reddish fur, which helps distinguish it from other types of rats. Marsh rice rats are more commonly found in southern states and are much less widespread than Norway rats or wood rats.
Although you’re less likely to encounter this species in many parts of the country, understanding the differences between rat species can help you recognize the types of rodents that may live in your region.
What Is the Cotton Rat?
Found in the southern United States, the cotton rat typically has dark brown fur, small ears, and small eyes. It can grow to approximately 15 inches long from nose to tail.
Like many other rat species, cotton rats prefer to nest close to the ground. Common nesting locations include the bases of shrubs and areas covered by tall grasses, where vegetation can provide shelter. Keeping an eye on overgrown vegetation around your property can help you identify areas where rodents may find suitable shelter. While not every outdoor rodent will try to enter your home, understanding where they nest can help you stay aware of activity around your property.
How Can OPC Help with Rat Problems?
Identifying the type of rat you’re dealing with is an important first step but knowing what it is doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. If rats have found their way into your home, you’ll want to address the current activity and take steps to help prevent them from returning.
That’s where OPC can help. Our team works to remove rats from your home and reduce the chances of future rodent problems by addressing the areas they use to get inside.
Keep Rodents Out with a BARRIER+ Program from OPC
Rodents don’t always enter through obvious openings. Small cracks and crevices around your home can provide access points that are easy to overlook.
The OPC BARRIER+™ program focuses on these common entry points to help prevent rodents from making their way indoors. Our trained technicians know what to look for and can identify potential openings you might not notice on your own. By targeting these vulnerable areas, we help reduce the opportunities rodents have to enter your home in the first place. That means less time spent searching for hidden gaps and less guesswork when it comes to protecting your property.
At OPC, we’re committed to helping protect you, your family, and your home from unwanted guests like rats and other rodents. With a proactive approach to prevention, you can spend less time worrying about pests and more time enjoying your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rats
Q: What Is the Most Common Type of Rat in the US?
A: The Norway rat is the most common rat species in the United States. Also known as the brown rat, it’s recognizable by its brownish-gray fur and large body. Norway rats typically nest in burrows near ground level and often settle close to food sources.
Q: How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Norway Rat and a Roof Rat?
A: Size, ear shape, and nesting habits are useful clues. Norway rats are larger, have smaller ears, and prefer to burrow at ground level. Roof rats are generally smaller, have larger ears, and are skilled climbers that often nest in elevated areas such as attics and ceilings.
Q: Do Rats Come Back After You Remove Them?
A: Yes, rats can return if the openings they use to enter your home remain accessible. Removing the rats without addressing those entry points may leave your home vulnerable to another rodent problem. The OPC BARRIER+™ program targets common rodent entry points to help reduce the likelihood of rats getting back inside. By addressing potential access points as part of a preventive approach, you can take an important step toward keeping your home protected.
