If you take one thing from our rodent content, make it this: before you treat a rat problem, identify the species. Dallas has two — the roof rat and the Norway rat — and they live in opposite parts of your home, enter through opposite points, and require opposite exclusion strategies. Getting this right is the difference between solving the problem and pausing it.
Where they live (the biggest tell)
Roof rats live high. Attics, upper walls, rafters, and outdoor tree canopies. If the scratching is overhead — in the ceiling or attic — think roof rat.
Norway rats live low. Ground-level burrows near foundations, under slabs and decks, along fence lines, near drainage and garbage. If you're seeing burrow holes in the yard or activity at ground level, think Norway rat.
How they enter
Roof rats enter up high — roofline gaps, soffit and eave openings, vents, and along tree limbs or utility lines that bridge to the roof. Norway rats enter down low — foundation cracks, weep holes, garage door gaps, and utility penetrations at grade.
How they look
| Trait | Roof rat | Norway rat |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Slender, lighter | Large, heavy, robust |
| Tail | Longer than body | Shorter than body |
| Ears & eyes | Large ears, large eyes | Small ears, small eyes |
| Nose | Pointed | Blunt |
| Droppings | Pointed ends, ~½ inch | Blunt ends, ¾ inch |
Why the difference dictates treatment
For roof rats, the work is at the roofline: sealing high entry points, trapping in the attic, and cutting tree limbs that bridge to the roof. Sealing the foundation does little because they're coming from above. For Norway rats, the work is at grade: sealing foundation gaps and weep holes, treating burrows, exclusion at ground level. Trapping the attic does little because they're down below.
This is the exact reason generic rat services fail — they apply one strategy to both species and miss half the problem. Our rat control and exclusion work is matched to the species we confirm on inspection.
Not sure which you have?
You don't have to be — that's the inspection's job. Tell us where you're hearing or seeing activity (overhead vs ground level is the biggest clue) and book a free inspection. We'll confirm the species and match the plan to it.
Ready for a free inspection?
Tell us what you're seeing. A licensed technician identifies the pest and entry points and quotes an exact price — no obligation.