RATS Roof rats thrive in attics, roof spaces, palm trees, and ornamental shrubbery. They are climbers and prefer to nest off the ground. Roof rats are destructive to citrus groves, since they live in citrus trees and gnaw on the fruit. They can be quite destructive in attics, gnawing on electrical wires and rafters. Because they must have water to survive, roof rats also consume an ounce per day and will range 100-150 feet from harbourages in search of water or food.
Colour ranges from black to grizzled grey to tan with a light belly.
Adults weigh from 100 - 300 grams. Roof rats live about 1 year and reach sexual maturity in 3-5 months. In the U.K. the black rat is generally confined to ports. In houses, they live behind walls and in cabinets and furniture. They prefer to feed on grains but usually nibble at a wide variety of foods.