Black Rat vs Brown Rat: What's the Difference?

Rats aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious damage and carry diseases that put your family at risk. Florida is home to two common species, brown rats and black rats, and knowing the difference can help you identify infestations and take action before it’s too late. Lindsey Pest Services has over 65 years of experience helping homeowners in Jacksonville, San Marco, Neptune Beach, and other First Coast communities keep rats and other pests out of their homes, and we’ve compiled the essential information you need to protect your property.

Two Types of Florida Rats

Black Rats

Also known as roof rats, ship rats, or house rats, black rats have lean bodies with tails longer than their bodies. Their fur tends to be darker, though not always black, with light-colored underbellies. 

Excellent climbers, black rats frequently infest upper floors of homes, attics, and roof spaces.

Brown Rats

Also called Norway rats, sewer rats, water rats, street rats, and wharf rats, brown rats have large, stocky bodies with light underbellies and tails that are shorter than their bodies.

Brown rats are not exactly experts in climbing. They most often infest homes at the ground level, nesting in basements and crawl spaces, and are rarely found on upper floors.  

The Dangers of a Rat Infestation

Regardless of species, rats in your Jacksonville home pose serious risks. Salmonellosis, a bacterial infection that can cause food poisoning, can occur when rats contaminate food with their droppings. They also spread diseases such as rat bite fever and, although rare in Florida, the bubonic plague. Rats also carry fleas and ticks; they can also trigger allergies in some people.

In addition to health risks, rats are highly destructive rodents. Their teeth grow continuously, so they gnaw on anything they can find—wires, insulation, wood, food packaging, pipes, and structural elements. Left unchecked, rats can cause water damage, fire hazards, and structural issues in your home.

Signs of a Rat Problem in Your Jacksonville Home

Knowing that rodents could nest throughout your home means you must be vigilant and look for signs of rat activity. Signs of an infestation include:

• Scratching or rustling in the walls, ceilings, or floors

• Droppings in pantries, cupboards, or on countertops, and in areas where rats nest

• Greasy rub marks along baseboards or walls

• Gnaw marks or jagged holes on furniture, boxes, wiring, wood, and belongings

• Nests in the basement, crawl space, garage, attic, or storage areas

How to Prevent Rats from Infesting

Protect your home from rats and other pests with these prevention tips:

• Clean up food messes promptly and store pet food securely

• Take out trash regularly and keep outdoor bins 20+ feet from the house with tight-fitting lids

• Sweep and vacuum floors often

• Disinfect countertops and other kitchen surfaces regularly

• Seal gaps, cracks, and holes in the foundation, soffits, attic vents, and other openings on the house exterior

• Install screens, door sweeps, and weatherstripping

• Install metal flashing around the roof edges, chimneys, and vents to block entry points

• Remove clutter inside the home and yard debris outside

• Repair leaking faucets and pipes

• Trim trees and shrubs so branches don’t touch your roof, gutters, or house sides

• Check satellite dishes, antennas, and cables for potential climbing paths

Expert Rodent Control & Exclusion Service

Whether you’re dealing with an active rat infestation or want to prevent these destructive pests from taking over your home, Lindsey Pest Services can help! 

Our comprehensive rodent control solutions include:

• Rodent trapping and removal

• Rodent baiting

• Exterior rodent monitoring

• Odor removal services

• Rodent clean-up

• Rodent exclusion

We create customized plans to target your specific rat issues, eliminating both rat species and preventing future infestations. Rodent control can also be bundled with our home pest control plans for complete, year-round protection.

Don’t wait until damage occurs or diseases spread. Contact Lindsey Pest Services today to protect your home from rats and enjoy peace of mind knowing your family and property are safe.

This blog was originally published on October 25, 2019, and has been updated to reflect the most up-to-date information.