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Rodents & Shrews · Pest guide

Rats control

Norway and roof rats: bigger, warier and more destructive than mice.

Start here: How to Get Rid of Rats in the House (2026 Guide) When to call a pro

Rats at a glance

Scientific name
Rattus norvegicus (Norway rat), Rattus rattus (roof rat)
Size
7 to 10 inches body, plus tail (18–25 cm)
Appearance
Large, brown or black; blunt nose (Norway) or pointed nose and long tail (roof)
Where found
Basements, sewers, burrows by foundations (Norway); attics and trees (roof)
  • Health riskHigh
  • Property damageHigh
  • Do it yourself?DIY or pro
When rats are active Peak: Jan–Dec
  1. Jan Peak
  2. Feb Peak
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Active
  5. May Low
  6. Jun Low
  7. Jul Low
  8. Aug Low
  9. Sep Active (this month)
  10. Oct Peak
  11. Nov Peak
  12. Dec Peak

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Capsule-shaped droppings about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long
  • Greasy rub marks along walls
  • Burrows along foundations and under slabs
  • Gnawed wires, pipes or wood

Call a professional when

  • Burrows or activity on several sides of the house
  • Rats in walls, attic or near wiring
  • Signs continue after a few weeks of trapping
How to choose a pest control company

Safety first

Keep poison baits out of reach of children, pets and wildlife. Use tamper-resistant bait stations only, and follow the label.

Rats: removal guides

1 guide

Step-by-step plans to get rid of a pest, from DIY methods to professional treatment.

Brown rat on a city sidewalk

Rats · Removal

How to Get Rid of Rats in the House (2026 Guide)

· 6 min read

Keep rats out

  1. Seal gaps larger than 1/2 inch with metal
  2. Use lidded metal or heavy plastic trash cans
  3. Pick up fallen fruit and pet food
  4. Clear dense vegetation next to walls

Often confused or found together

All rodents & shrews
Mice Droppings, gnawing and scratching in walls: trapping, sealing and safe cleanup. Squirrels Squirrels in the attic, the walls and the bird feeder. Possums Virginia opossums under decks and in garages: mostly harmless, easy to deter.
Photo credits

Thank you to Charles J. Sharp, G. Scott Segler and Ahunt for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC0