What Does a Rat Look Like?

Rats tend to exhibit many of the same characteristics of other rodents. The two front incisors are enlarged and continue to grow throughout the rat’s life. As a result, rats engage in constant gnawing, which causes considerable damage to homes. Rats have fur that is more prevalent on the body than on the ears and tail. They run on four legs and are capable of standing upright on their two back legs.

Rat in Kitchen Pantry

Rat in Kitchen Pantry

Size, color, tail length, ear size and fur texture typically differ among rat species. Norway rats are large and rotund, while roof rats are long and slender. The roof rat’s tail is longer than the body of the rat, while the Norway rat’s tail tends to not be as long as its body. The heads of rats range from blunt with aquiline noses to long and pointed.

Rat Behavior

Rat Borne Diseases

Rat Diet

Rat Fleas

Rat Habitat

Rat Holes

Rat Identification

Rat Infestation

Rat or Muskrat + Differences

Rat Sense of Smell

Rat Tracks

Rat Varieties

Enemies and Predators of Rats

Rat Bites

Resources

Dig Deeper on Rats

2023’s Most Rat-Infested Cities in America

Where do rats live?

How do I get a rat out of my car?

What attracts rats to your house?

What are the Signs of Rat Infestations?

Enemies and Predators of Rats

What Does a Rat Look Like?

Rat Sense of Smell

Rat Tracks

What to Do When You Find a Dead Rat

Get a quote today

Eliminate pests and prevent future problems.

We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

877-819-5061

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlHome Services

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

CUSTOMER CARE

My AccountPay BillFind My BranchContact UsProduct Labels

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementSitemapCareers