What do rats look like in the house? - briefly
In homes, rats are typically brown or gray, with a sleek 9–11‑inch body, a pointed snout, small ears, prominent whiskers, and a long, hairless tail about the same length as the body. Their sharp incisors and agile build enable quick movement through walls and clutter.
What do rats look like in the house? - in detail
Rats that have entered a residence typically belong to one of two species: the Norway (or brown) rat and the roof (or black) rat. Both display a compact, elongated body covered with dense fur, but their external characteristics differ enough to allow reliable identification.
The Norway rat measures 20–25 cm in body length, with a tail of similar length that is slightly shorter than the body. Fur ranges from dark brown to reddish‑brown, occasionally exhibiting a lighter belly. The head is broad, featuring small, rounded ears set low on the skull, and dark, bead‑shaped eyes. Whiskers extend well beyond the snout, aiding navigation in low‑light conditions. The tail is hairless, scaly, and tapers gradually toward the tip.
The roof rat is smaller, with a body length of 15–20 cm and a proportionally longer tail, often exceeding the body length by several centimeters. Its coat is sleek, typically black or dark gray, sometimes with a glossy sheen. The species possesses a slender, elongated head, large ears positioned high on the skull, and prominent, black eyes. Whiskers are long and fine. The tail is thin, hairless, and almost uniformly thick from base to tip, giving it a “rope‑like” appearance.
Both species share additional traits: sharp incisor teeth that continuously grow, a pointed snout, and a keen sense of smell. In a domestic setting, coloration may appear muted due to exposure to dust and grime, while the fur may be uneven where the animal has brushed against rough surfaces. Observing these details—size, tail proportion, fur color, ear placement, and overall body shape—provides a clear picture of a rat’s appearance inside a home.