If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with roof rats, you know how destructive they can be. Not only do they wreak havoc on your home, but they can also be dangerous to your health. Here are some signs that indicate you may have a roof rat problem, as well as some tips on how to get rid of them.
Roof rats are also known as black rats. They are dangerous rodents that can carry a variety of diseases. They are excellent climbers and often make their homes in attics or upper floors of buildings.
There are many signs of a roof rat infestation in a house, but some of the most common and apparent signs are roof rat droppings. Roof rat droppings are giant, dark brown and have pointed ends.
Do you suspect you have roof rats on your property? If yes, taking action quickly is crucial to prevent them from causing serious damage and spreading disease. Roof rat droppings carry diseases such as murine typhus, leptospirosis, trichinosis, rat-bite fever, etc.
If you have a rat problem, chances are it’s not just one rat. Roof rats are known to travel in groups. If you see one, there are likely more rats hiding nearby. The good news is there are plenty of ways to prevent and get rid of roof rats.
Check out these 10 best ways to stop roof rat infestation from becoming a concern and eliminate existing roof rats on your property.
Roof rats are attracted to the smell of pet food and will often raid the bowl when you’re not looking. The best way to avoid this problem is to keep your pet food bowls inside.
All your food needs to be packed in tight containers, so that roof rats don’t find any reason to stay in your home.
Clutter of papers, cardboard, and packaging material are prime nesting materials for roof rats. Removing them will make your home less attractive to these pests.
The grass clippings and weeds in your backyard provide food and shelter to roof rats. You would want to get rid of them to avoid these creatures.
You should seal any holes or cracks that roof rats can use to enter your home.
Cut the long branches of trees within the close vicinity of your home. It’s important to prevent roof rats from reaching your roof through the tree branches.
Another important thing is keeping mice out of the garage and basement. For that, you need to tidy up your garage from stored seeds and other potential items that can serve as either food or shelter for rats.
This is linked to eliminating any potential food sources they might find on your property. Keep your garbage cans clean and tightly sealed, as they can also serve as a potential food source for roof rats.
Call your local residential and commercial pest control service for a detailed inspection, exclusion, and pest control.
You can use traps to catch roof rats using bait. But it can be a tiring process. Calling professional pest control services is a more efficient solution.
Two main types of rats infest homes are Roof rats and Norway rats. Here’s a look at the key differences between these two pests.
Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, measuring about 13 inches from nose to tail. They have large ears and dark fur. These rats are excellent climbers and are often found in attics or trees.
On the other hand, Norway rats grow up to 18 inches long. They have small ears and light-colored fur. These rodents are good swimmers and often live in caves near water sources.
Both roof rats and Norway rats can carry diseases, so it’s important to contact a pest control professional if you think you have an infestation.
Yes, roof rats are dangerous. They can carry many diseases that can harm humans, including the bubonic plague and salmonellosis.
These pests are often mistaken for other rodents, like mice or squirrels. But several key characteristics can help you distinguish a roof rat from different types of rats. For starters, roof rats are typically smaller than other types of rats. They weigh between 5 and 9 ounces, while other types of rats can weigh up to 18 ounces. Roof rats also have longer tails.
Roof rats also tend to be more agile than other types of rats. They’re excellent climbers and can often be seen running along power lines or climbing trees in search of food. If you see a rat running along a fence or wire, chances are it’s a roof rat.
If you think you might have a roof rat problem, look for these telltale signs:
There are many potential nesting areas for roof rats. But unlike other rat species, roof rats are experts in climbing. So they like to live above ground and not underground. You will find most roof rat nests near the water source. Some of the most common homes of roof rats include:
They can also cause significant damage to your home by chewing on wires and insulation.
Roof rats are adept at climbing, which is how they get their name. They can climb trees and power lines. They can even enter homes through the roof. Rats are also good swimmers so they can access homes through holes or cracks in the foundation. Once inside, rats will nest in attics, crawlspaces, and any other dark, secluded area.
These 10 are the best ways to keep roof rats at bay. But the problem can return. Get the help of professional pest control services if you want a more permanent solution. Call us now!
Do bumblebees sting? Learn how their stingers work, What if they can sting more than…
Spider nests can quickly infest your home. Learn how to spot and eliminate them. Discover…
Struggling with barn spider infestations? Discover their sizes, habits, critical role in pest control, and…
Termite droppings decoded: Find out what those mysterious pellets reveal about termites in your house…
Discover the world of bees and how to keep them at bay from your home.…
Ever heard of grass spiders? Maybe you've seen them around, possibly mistaking them for other…