Are There Roof Rats in Las Vegas?

Serving Las Vegas | Henderson | North Las Vegas

Yes, roof rats (also known as black rats or ship rats) are one of the most common rodents in the Las Vegas Valley – and an increasing problem. If you’ve been hearing late-night scurrying or scratching noises coming from inside your walls or ceiling, you may have a roof rat problem.

Roof rats aren’t a sign that your home is messy or untidy. It could happen to anyone in this region. Since the 1990s, when roof rats were first documented in the Las Vegas area, the city has seen an unprecedented increase in roof rat activity that shows no signs of slowing.

At Pest Control Inc, our experienced rodent control experts deal with roof rats every day, so we decided to put together some information to help you understand what you’re up against. So, let’s talk about why roof rats are so common in Las Vegas, how to spot them on your property, and what to do about them.

Why Are Roof Rat Infestations So Common in Las Vegas?

Roof rats are not native to Las Vegas, though since coming here, they have quickly taken to our warm and dry desert climate. Most trace their arrival to the early 1990s with the mass importation of palm trees and fruit trees for landscaping.

Roof rats would climb onto these plants and stow away, and with prolific year-round breeding, they could quickly establish themselves here. Today, roof rats have been documented in every zip code across the valley.

Roof rats have been successful in Las Vegas for many reasons:

• Warm climate: They thrive in the warm, mild climate of Southern Nevada. Unlike their close cousin, the Norway rat, the roof rat prefers warmer temperatures, which allows them to breed year-round and maintain a robust population.
• Abundant food and water sources: Roof rats prefer “natural” food sources that come from landscaped plants and trees, but they’re not picky. They will also scavenge from our many hotels, restaurants, and homes. Garbage, birdseed, and untended pet bowls can easily feed nearby rats. Additionally, leaking sprinklers, swimming pools, and puddles are more than enough to keep them hydrated.
• Elevated habitats: True to their name, roof rats like to nest up high. Between our many palm trees, houses, restaurants, and hotels, there’s no shortage of possibilities.
• Rapid expansion: Roof rats thrive in areas where people move to. With the city and surrounding areas in a state of near-constant development that’s lasted for decades, roof rats have had unlimited opportunities to create new homes.

What Do Roof Rats Look Like?

Roof rats are a slender type of rat, usually light gray to brown or black, and approximately 12 – 18” long (including their tail). They have a pointed snout and prominent ears.

Here’s how their appearance differs from Norway rats:

• Size: Roof rats are slender, sleek, and smaller (around 5-7 inches body length), while Norway rats are stocky, robust, and larger (around 7-10 inches body length).
• Tail Length: The Roof Rat’s tail is longer than its head and body combined (used for climbing balance), while the Norway Rat’s tail is shorter than its head and body combined.
• Facial Features: Roof rats have a pointed snout and large, prominent ears that can cover their eyes when folded forward; Norway rats have a blunt snout and small ears that do not reach their eyes.
• Color and Fur: Roof rats are often called “black rats” and have smooth, dark fur (black to dark brown); Norway rats are often called “brown rats” and have coarse, brownish-gray fur.

How Do Roof Rats Enter A Home?

Roof rats can squeeze into the smallest of spaces. So they can enter your home through window sills, cracks in your foundation, and more. They can also gain access underneath your garage door or entryway door if there’s a large enough gap.

Roof rats are also fearless climbers. They can survive a fall of up to 50 feet! They will travel along power lines, tree branches, and your roof to find food or escape from predators.

Where Are You Most Likely to Find Roof Rats in Your Home?

• Attics and Crawl Spaces: This is their primary indoor harborage. They love the warmth, darkness, and safety provided by insulation and roof beams. Look for flattened insulation, droppings along beams, and chewed wires.
• Wall Voids and Ceilings: They use the space between the drywall and the exterior wall, traveling along utility lines and pipes. Listen for scratching or scurrying noises above your head or within the walls at night.
• Soffits and Eaves: These are the transitional spaces along the roofline that often have small, unsealed gaps, serving as the main entry point from the outdoors.
• False Ceilings: In commercial buildings or homes with drop ceilings, the space above the panels is a common travel and nesting area.
• Garage Rafters and Storage: They will nest high up in cluttered garages, especially near stored items, boxes, or pet food stored on high shelves.
• Behind and Under Cabinets: They may seek out protected spaces near the kitchen, particularly behind lower cabinets or under the sink, looking for food and water sources.

How Do You Eliminate and Prevent Roof Rats?

If you have a roof rat infestation in your home, you may wish to try DIY rodent control first. For best results, we recommend checking out our guide to DIY rodent control – but also keep in mind that DIY rodent control can be unreliable. We strongly recommend working with a local rodent control company.

The best approach to rodent control is preventing the problem before it ever has a chance to start. To do this, you’ll want to ensure your home is protected by the most up-to-date exclusion techniques. Our wildlife and rodent exclusion team can help with this – just give us a call to set up a complimentary rodent inspection.

Signs You Have A Roof Rat Infestation

Identifying the signs of a roof rat infestation is important so that you can take prompt action to address the problem. While these signs may be similar to other types of rodent infestations, it’s important to consider where you find them.

With roof rats, because they love to climb and nest in elevated areas, it’s more likely you’ll find these signs in an elevated area:

• Droppings
• Gnawing
• Scratching Noises
• Nesting Materials
• Visible Rat Sightings
• Urine Odor
• Holes or Entry Points
• Dirt or Grease Trails

For more information, be sure to check out our full-length article on how to identify the signs of a rodent infestation.

Are Roof Rats Dangerous?

Yes, roof rats can pose a few risks to humans.

• If you see a roof rat (or any type of rodent), do not attempt to handle it or corner it. Rats are not aggressive but will bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
• Roof rats are carriers of fleas and can transmit dangerous diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella through various means, including physical contact, bites, droppings, and the feeding of fleas that infest them.
• Roof rats can cause extensive damage to your home and property through their incessant gnawing and scratching.

Your Local Experts In Roof Rat Removal

Having a roof rat infestation can be unsettling, and preventing their entry can be challenging due to the many potential access points they use.

If you’re dealing with roof rats in your Las Vegas home, reach out to Pest Control Inc today. Our skilled technicians will come to your home, eliminate the rat problem, and seal off potential entry points to ensure they don’t return.

Feel free to contact us today for more information or to request a free quote!

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