Rat Guide
Signs You Have Norway Rats, Not Roof Rats
Ground activity and attic activity need different fixes. Here is how to tell which rat you actually have before calling for service.
Four Signs Point to Norway Rats
- You see burrow holes near the foundation, fence line, or under a shed. Norway rats dig rather than climb, unlike roof rats.
- Noise or activity is at ground level, not overhead in the attic. Basements, crawl spaces, and ground-floor wall voids are the typical zones.
- You have seen a larger, stockier rat with a shorter tail relative to its body. See our species identification guide for the full visual comparison.
- Activity is concentrated near trash, dumpsters, or yard debris. Norway rats are opportunistic ground feeders drawn to these areas specifically.
Why This Determines Which Service You Need
A roofline inspection will not find a foundation burrow, and a ground-level seal-up will not stop a roof rat coming in through the soffit. Knowing which rat you have before the visit means the right areas get checked first. See our full rat exterminator page for the ground-level approach, or our roof rat removal page if the signs point overhead instead.
Questions
Norway Rats vs Roof Rats: FAQs
Can I have Norway rats and roof rats at the same time?
Yes, it is possible on a property with both ground-level gaps and roofline access. An inspection that checks both areas is the reliable way to confirm.
Are Norway rat droppings different from roof rat droppings?
Both are similar in size, roughly 3/4 to 1 inch, so droppings alone are not the most reliable way to tell them apart. Location and behavior are better indicators.
Do Norway rats climb at all?
Rarely. They are capable but strongly prefer ground-level movement and burrowing, which is the opposite of a roof rat’s climbing behavior.
Is a burrow always active?
Not necessarily, some may be old or abandoned. A professional inspection can confirm current activity versus a past burrow.
What if I am still not sure which rat I have?
A professional inspection can identify the species definitively based on droppings, entry points, and behavior, which is faster than trying to self-diagnose.
Schedule a McAllen Rodent Inspection
Insurance will not pay for this. Catching it early is the only thing that keeps it cheap. We will tell you what you are dealing with, how they got in, and what it costs to fix.
Rio Rodent Solutions · McAllen, TX · (956) 660-9706 · Licensed & Insured, TDA License [TPCL#] · Se Habla Español