Norway Rats vs Roof Rats in the GTA: What You Need to Know
By PestRecord Editorial Team
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If you see a rat, it matters which kind it is. Norway rats and roof rats are different species with different behaviours, different nesting preferences, and different control requirements. Using the wrong approach can waste time and money. Here is what GTA homeowners need to know about each.
Norway Rats
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most common rat in the GTA. They are also called brown rats or sewer rats. Despite their name, they are not Norwegian in origin. They arrived in North America on ships from Europe.
Identification:
- Size: 20 to 25 cm body, plus a 15 to 20 cm tail. Weight 300 to 500 grams.
- Color: Brown to grey-brown, lighter on the underside
- Snout: Blunt and rounded
- Tail: Short, thick, and scaly
- Ears: Small, close to the head
Behaviour:
- Burrow under foundations, sheds, and decks
- Prefer ground-level nesting
- Excellent swimmers
- More cautious than roof rats
- Nocturnal, but can be active during the day
Roof Rats
The roof rat (Rattus rattus) is less common in the GTA but present. They are also called black rats or ship rats. They arrived in North America on colonial ships and have spread along trade routes.
Identification:
- Size: 15 to 20 cm body, plus a 20 to 25 cm tail. Weight 200 to 350 grams.
- Color: Black to dark grey, lighter on the underside
- Snout: Pointed and sharp
- Tail: Long, thin, and scaly
- Ears: Large, prominent, can be pulled over eyes
Behaviour:
- Excellent climbers, prefer elevated spaces
- Live in attics, rooflines, and trees
- Enter homes through rooflines and soffits
- More bold than Norway rats
- Active at night and dawn/dusk
Where They Are Found in the GTA
Norway rats are found:
- Under basement foundations city-wide
- In sewer systems
- Under sheds and decks
- In garbage areas
- Near food sources
Roof rats are found:
- Richmond Hill, near bias Ravine Park
- Vaughan, near the Humber River trails
- Oakville, near Sixteen Mile Creek
- In attics with tree access
- Along rooflines with overhanging branches
Treatment Differences
Norway rat control:
- Burrow treatment around the foundation
- Exclusion of foundation gaps
- Snap traps and bait stations at ground level
- Outdoor baiting for burrows
- Sanitation around food sources
Roof rat control:
- Roofline exclusion and repair
- Soffit and vent sealing
- Tree branch trimming (6 feet from roof)
- Traps in the attic
- Exclusion around roof penetrations
Why ID Matters
Placing ground-level traps for roof rats is a waste of time. They live in the roofline, not in the basement. Conversely, burrow treatment does nothing for roof rats because they do not burrow.
Getting the species right determines where to focus your treatment and sealing efforts.
Cost of Treatment
- Norway rat control: $400 to $600
- Roof rat control: $500 to $750
- Combined treatment: $600 to $1,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Norway rat?
Norway rats are large, brown rodents with a blunt nose and short tail. They burrow under foundations.
What is a roof rat?
Roof rats are slightly smaller, black rodents with a pointed nose and long tail. They are excellent climbers.
Where are roof rats found in the GTA?
Roof rats have been found in Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Oakville near ravines and wooded areas.
How do I tell the difference?
Norway rats have blunt noses and short tails. Roof rats have pointed noses and long tails.
How much does rat treatment cost in the GTA?
Professional rat control runs $400 to $750 for a typical GTA home.
Got rats near your GTA property? Get free quotes from licensed rat control operators today.