Background . This rat is the same species that carried the bubonic plague around the world and is also the reservoir host for murine typhus. Evidence of recent gnawing is an excellent sign for determining the presence of Roof Rats. Roof Rat Damage Look on the ground below your fruit tree, especially oranges and pomegranates. How to Spot Roof Rats The visible damage caused by roof rat is a circular hole about the size of a half dollar, and the whole fruit hollowed out with the empty rind often hanging on the tree. Fruit is one of their main food sources. Too much citrus draws in roof rats. Growers are also reporting damage to irrigation lines. Rats tend to gnaw on wooden structures such as corners, floor joists, and wall studs. By Teri Carnicelli The overabundance of citrus this winter and spring may seem like a happy circumstance for those who enjoy spending hours squeezing oranges and grapefruits, or making tasty desserts with lemons and limes. Roof rat season is here: 5 steps to keep them out of your home. citrus rat, fruit rat, black rat, or gray rat) is an introduced species of rat native to southern Asia.It was brought to America on the first ships to reach the New World and has spread around the world. The roof rat (Rattus rattus, a.k.a. Roof rat damage is being reported in several different commodities including citrus, avocados, pomegranates and nut crops. Roof rats, also known as palm rats, palm tree rats, black rats, ship rats or house rats, are the leading rodent pest in Florida and in other tropical climates. The pesky creatures are active throughout the Valley. Citrus rats are another name for the roof rat. Other common names for these rodents include fruit rats, black rat and ship rat, reports OrlandoRats.com. Roof Rat Facts. They are climbers and prefer to nest off the ground in trees like palms, which is how they got their common name. Here are ways you can keep them at bay. When Roof Rats gnaw holes into cartons and boxes, the holes typically measure about 2 … Aside from feeding on the crop directly, rendering it unmarketable, the rodents are also chewing on tree limbs and causing branch dieback. Download premium images you can't get anywhere else. Both rat species can carry similar diseases, but their destructive behaviors differ. Find high-quality Rat stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Norway rats often damage sidewalks, patios, and foundations, while roof rats traditionally damage walls, pipes, wires, and insulation. April 2015. Because Norway rats prefer the ground and roof rats prefer upper levels, their chewing and burrowing affect different areas.