Rats are small rodents, typically brown or gray-brown in color, and are typically 12-15" long including their tail, which is hairless and scaly. Rats have large front teeth that are ideal for gnawing, and have strong legs that allow them to travel quickly and climb effectively.

Like mice, rats will often leverage human environments to gain food, shelter, and warmth. They are attracted to cluttered, unsanitary areas where they can find food remnants and safe, untouched hiding places in which to thrive.

Rats often carry an array of dangerous diseases, including viral infections like LCMV, bacteria that can lead to pneumonic plague, and salmonella. Their droppings also carry a host of bacteria and diseases. Secondly, rats are very destructive, and tend to gnaw on materials like plastic and wood.