We’ve received a lot of calls lately asking how to get rid of roof rats quickly. Those calls come from homeowners that were convinced that rats where exactly the problem they had. How do you know if you have a roof rat problem? Let’s look at what they are and the signs of an infestation. Then we’ll discuss how to get rid of roof rats.
First, I’d like to share my thoughts on why rats are so overpopulated in Sarasota. There are multiple reasons. Roof Rats are great at adapting to urban development and there has been plenty of that in Sarasota County. When we are clearing hundreds of acres of land to put in housing communities and apartment complexes, we are driving all the natural predators away from the area. Owls, bobcats, foxes, snakes, raccoons, and others feed on rats. So, you have the rats who can populate very quickly and adapt to the urban environment but don’t have the predators to keep their population down. That leaves us humans to manage that population and get rid of roof rats that seek food and shelter in our homes.
What are Roof Rats?
The roof rat gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in the upper parts of buildings. Once inside, roof rats not only damage materials by gnawing through them, but they also contaminate stored food and can transmit dangerous diseases.
Roof rats are long and thin with a scaly tail, large ears, pointed nose, and brown/black fur. They can grow to 16 inches long included the tail which is as long or longer than the body.
Habits and habitats
Roof rats are primarily nocturnal and thrive in cool weather. They forage for food in small groups of up to ten and tend to return to the same food source time after time if they can. They climb easily and can access the upper parts of structures, thus the name “roof” rat.
They prefer to nest in the upper parts of buildings, such as attics and rafters, but can also be found under, in and around structures, in piles of wood or debris, and even in trees. They are attracted to lush landscapes, dense vegetation and fruit trees.
Seeking indoor shelter, roof rats can crawl through any access point larger than a nickel. They will seek shelter from predators and places to nest, by entering garages, sheds and homes. They can follow follow pipes or gnaw through materials such as drywall, aluminum siding, and wood to get what they want.
Roof rats will eat practically anything available to them, but most often at dusk and before dawn. When in season, they prefer to eat seeds, nuts, fruits and berries. They will also snack on slugs, snails, and cockroaches! They can even feast on fish and shellfish if near a pond, lake, or creek. They will forage throughout the day and sometimes during the day.
What are the Signs of a Roof Rat Infestation?
There are many signs that might point to a roof rat infestation in the home.
- If you see rat, dead or alive, you probably have a potential roof rat problem.
- You may see rat droppings around the home before you see a rat. Fresh roof rat droppings are soft and moist, whereas old droppings are hard and dried. The droppings usually measure about half an inch long and have pointed ends.
- Look for gnaw marks, damaged goods, nests or greasy rub marks which are also signs of roof rat activity.
- Noises in the attic or house walls could be other things, but think of rats first.
- This last, alarming sign of rats is visibly damaged electrical wires, which are a fire hazard as well.
What You Can Do to Get Rid of Roof Rats
Block Entryways: To prevent a roof rats from nesting in your home, make sure that all windows and vents are screened. Rats can fit through holes the size of a nickel, so homeowners should seal any cracks and voids in homes, sheds and garages. Also be sure to keep all windows and vents protected by screens.
Trim Trees: These rodents can get to the roof from the branches of trees. Trim all tree branches to further prevent entry.
Eliminate Food Sources: Clean up fruit that fallen from trees in the yard and keep your garbage in tightly covered receptacles. Be sure to also store pet food and other dry food in sealed containers. Also, eliminate any outdoor sources of water such as leaky sprinkler heads, pet water dishes and birdbaths.
If you suspect a roof rat infestation in your home, call the licensed pest control professionals at Heath Pest Control to inspect your home and develop a rat treatment plan. We’ve been doing a lot of rodent control jobs and multiple pest control companies refer us to do rodent control as well. You might as well call us first.