The three important urban rodents are Norway rats, roof rats and house mice. The Norway rat, also called the brown, wharf or sewer rat, can be found virtually everywhere humans live. They are attracted to areas that provide a wealth of hiding places and easy access to food. The roof rat, an agile climber, is more at home in the city, with its wires and tall buildings.
House mice can establish long-term residence in homes and offices.
They are well adapted to life without a steady water supply, and are able to survive long periods on cereals and food scraps. The sight of a rat running across an open space is often the first sign of an infestation. However, because rodents are secretive and are active at night, more detailed inspection of the sites is required to confirm actual rodent infestation. Look for scattered rat droppings near common pathways, feeding locations, or shelter. Look for scratches and sharp gnawing marks on the bottoms and corners of doors, on ledges, in corners of walls, and on stored material.