Roof Rats: Pathogens and Parasites

The roof rat, also known as the black rat, ship rat, or house rat, is an Old World rodent species originating in southeast Asia. Although it is not native to North America, roof rats are established in most coastal and southern states in the continental United States (U.S.), Hawaii, and small populations exist in Alaska. This article for pest management professionals and environmental health professionals outlines threats these animals pose to human health through bites from ecotoparasites.