Scientific Name: Rattus norvegicus
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Rattus
Species: norvegicus
Rats! Most of North America would prefer not to have rats in their landscaping, homes and other structures, yet a great many people keep them as pets. This may seem to play on the individual preferences of people, but, in fact, the rats kept as pets are not the same species of rodent that moves into your property without signing a lease agreement! The Norway Rat, the Roof Rat and to a smaller extent the Woodrat are the most common pests found living and feeding in our homes and yards.