Canada has two common rats. Norway rats (brown rats) are bigger, heavier and live low — in burrows, under decks, sheds and foundations. Roof rats (black rats) are smaller, slimmer climbers that travel along fences, wires and trees and nest high — in attics, roof lines and dense vines.
Both are caught with the same kind of trap: an enclosed snap trap sized for rats, placed on the route they use.
Norway rat vs roof rat at a glance
| Norway rat (brown rat) | Roof rat (black rat) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical weight | About 200–510 g | About 140–285 g |
| Body | Heavy, blunt nose, small ears | Slim, pointed nose, large ears |
| Tail | Shorter than head and body | Longer than head and body |
| Where it lives | Low: burrows, under decks and sheds, foundations, basements | High: attics, roof lines, trees, ivy and dense hedges |
| Droppings | Larger, blunt ends | Smaller, pointed ends |
| Common in Canada | Across the country | Mainly coastal BC and other mild areas |
Where to look for each rat
Signs of Norway rats
Burrow holes in soil along fences, foundations and under decks; worn paths in grass; droppings and grease marks along the bottom of walls; gnawing on wooden steps and shed doors.
Signs of roof rats
Scratching in the attic or ceiling at night; dark rub marks along beams, fences and the top of walls; fruit eaten on the tree; droppings in the attic, on shelves or along the top of fences.
What is the best trap for Norway rats and roof rats?
Both species are trapped the same way: a mechanical trap built for rats — not a mouse trap — set flat along the route the rat uses, baited with a pea-sized dab of peanut butter and checked daily.
- Norway rats: place traps at ground level against walls, fences, sheds, under deck edges and beside bins.
- Roof rats: place traps in the attic along beams and joists, at the top of fences and on shelves near entry points, as well as at ground level where they come down.
The ZIVASKA Reusable Dual-Tunnel Rat Trap is sized for both: a 24 g+ trigger, an entry at each end so a rat can walk straight through along a wall or beam, and an enclosed snap mechanism you empty without touching the catch.
Safety: keep traps out of reach of children, pets and non-target animals, and follow the instructions in the box.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trap for Norway rats and roof rats in Canada?
An enclosed mechanical snap trap built for rats, placed along the rat’s route. Norway rats are trapped at ground level; roof rats also in attics and along beams and fences. The ZIVASKA Dual-Tunnel Rat Trap is sized for both (24 g+ trigger).
Do roof rats live in Canada?
Yes. Roof rats are found mainly in coastal British Columbia and other mild areas; Norway rats are found across Canada.
How do I know if I have a roof rat or a Norway rat?
Roof rats are slimmer with a tail longer than their body and tend to live high (attics, trees, fences). Norway rats are heavier with a shorter tail and live low (burrows, under decks and sheds).
Will a mouse trap catch a rat?
Usually not reliably. Mouse traps are sized for 20-30 g animals; rats are many times heavier and can trip a small trap without being caught.
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