If you have a home, you may have a problem with Roof Rats. These rodents are infamous for shredding paper, books, clothes and upholstery. Not only do they damage the environment, they also gnaw on plumbing and electrical wiring, causing fires and power outages. Moreover, their waste contaminates food for human consumption, so they can be a serious threat to health. Because roof rats nest in out-of-the-way places, confrontations with the rats are rare. However, as the roof rat population grows, so do the risks of confrontation.
Common nesting sites for roof
Roof rats are usually found in attics and other voids in the roof. These areas are a great habitat for these pests, as they are far less likely to be disturbed by people and other potential predators. Once established, these rodents can grow very large and can nest in a variety of locations, including shrubbery and even storage boxes. If you have unkempt yards, you might want to check those areas out first before tackling a roof rat infestation.
Several types of traps are available to catch roof rats. You can also use wooden mouse and rat traps, which you can place under their nests. If you’re having trouble trapping them, call Trutech. We offer professional wildlife removal services for both roof rats and mice. Here’s how to get rid of your roof rat infestation. You’ll need to identify common nesting sites for these pests.
Roof rats feed mostly during the night. They forage in small groups of up to ten and usually return to the same location to find food. They also follow a similar pathway between the nest and their preferred food source. The roof rat has excellent climbing ability and can access upper portions of structures. Because of their adaptability, they can be a problem to deal with. For the most part, the pest control method will only affect the roof rat.
Roof rats are small and thin rodents. Their long thin bodies allow them to climb easily and are extremely agile. Their fur is dark brown or black, with light gray hairs covering the underbelly. They can grow to be as long as eight inches long, with a tail between five and eight inches long. These rodents can damage buildings and personal property, and can even spread disease. If you have a roof rat infestation, it’s a good idea to prevent it before it spreads throughout your home.
Food that roof rats eat
Despite their name, roof rats are omnivorous. They typically eat a variety of nuts, seeds, and fruit, but they also eat slugs and snails. Slugs and snails, in turn, feed on these same plants. And if you have a garden full of ripe fruit, you can be sure your rat will be eating those too! They are also known for eating berries and other types of nuts.
Unlike other rodents, roof rats can easily climb structures. Their sharp olfactory senses help them to detect food, and they have strong gustatory senses. With these senses, roof rats can also escape from predators, and their tactile and hearing senses help them travel in the dark. They also tend to cling to trees and other objects, so you should be aware of their presence if you see any.
Although roof rats do not live long, they are capable of damaging homes. They also gnaw on stored foods and chew on housing materials. Female roof rats can produce three to five litters every year, and they can produce between five and eight young at a time. These animals live in colonies, preferring the upper levels of buildings. Sometimes they can be found in the attics and landscaping below. However, a roof rat infestation is more likely to result in a single animal.
Roof rats usually feed at dusk or dawn. They will sometimes forage several times during the night. Roof rats are also known for being food hoarders, as they tend to stash supplies of seeds and nuts. When they do feed, they prefer a sheltered environment to eat. These rats can also cause a lot of damage to buildings, including fresh fruit. For these reasons, they should not be allowed near food products.
Symptoms of a roof rat infestation
The most common symptom of a roof rat infestation is the presence of rat droppings. These rat droppings are usually around 12-13 mm in diameter and have pointed ends. If you notice these droppings, you need to call an exterminator for further inspection. You may even notice that you have noticed scratching noises coming from your roof, such as in the attic or near your home’s roof vents.
These rodents are also known to be aggressive when threatened. They may try to chase you off by biting you in self-defense. This can lead to rat-bite fever, which can cause muscle and joint pain, nausea, and headache. Symptoms of roof rat infestation include any of the following:
Tightly-closed garbage receptacles and tightly-sealed pet food can help prevent roof rat infestation. Ensure that any outdoor water sources are eliminated, especially in the vicinity of your roof. Roof rats have sharp teeth, which are used to chew through wood and heavy plastic. In addition to gnawing on these materials, they can cause electrical fires if they gnaw on electrical wiring. Therefore, preventing a roof rat infestation is crucial for your home’s safety.
Dead or dying roof rats are often the first sign of an infestation. Even if you can’t find the culprits inside your home, roof rats may be hiding outside. They are known to run along fence lines and through trees, and you may have spotted one at some point. These rodents are often easiest to spot at dusk and dawn, as they are active nocturnal animals. If you notice any of these signs, contact an exterminator to get rid of the problem as soon as possible.
Traps for roof rats
Roof rats will enter your attic through small holes, but if you are careful, you can use traps for roof rats to kill them. The best trapping site is your attic or garage rafters. You should take pictures of any holes in the roof and mark them with chalk. Caulking the holes is an excellent way to block the rat’s entrance and exit. Before you use traps for roof rats, be sure to close all holes first. You can use baits such as peanut butter, raisins, and nuts. These baits work best for catching and killing roof rats.
Roof rats can also be trapped using live traps. You should be sure to dispose of the rat humanely after trapping it to prevent further infestation. Glue boards will capture roof rats but should be placed in a prominent location. Place the glue board on the travel paths of the rats to catch them. These traps are effective against house mice as well. These traps can be used over again.
Identifying the type of rat is crucial. Norway and roof rats prefer to follow the same routes time and again, so if you find damage in outdoor vegetation, you’ll probably be dealing with a roof rat. There’s no way to tell for sure if you’re dealing with a Norway rat or a roof rat until you trap them. Alternatively, if you’ve been able to identify which species is present in your attic, you can try traps that target both kinds of rodents and get rid of them.
Roof Rats are often hard to find during the daytime when your facility is closed. If you have a strong flashlight, you’ll be able to spot them and determine where to place baits for them. If you don’t see them, try placing traps in areas where they frequent, like the attic or garage. If you have trouble locating the rat, you can use Provoke Rat Attractant to lure it into the trap.
Ways to eliminate a roof rat infestation
If you want to get rid of Roof Rats, the first step is to make your home rat-proof. Avoid leaving food and garbage outside your home or removing piled-up leaves. Avoid leaving wood stacks or piles in the yard, as these are common Roof Rat entry points. Make sure that your house is secure; don’t leave pet food out overnight. Clean up any spills and never leave food in the sink. It is also important to inspect your roof tiles and shingles after high winds.
Once you identify the entrance points, you can use baits to lure the rodents. If you don’t want to get rid of the rats yourself, use bait to lure them away. You can also try traps and bait. The baits will be useless if they aren’t catching the rats. If you can’t find the rodents, get a professional inspector to help you.
If you have a pet, avoid feeding it outdoors, as roof rats find it tempting to eat it. Always store pet food in a tightly-sealed bin. It is also important to make sure that your bird feeders are sealed and blocked off, as the rats can gnaw through these openings. To prevent a roof rat infestation, consider hiring a pest control company to inspect your home and develop a treatment plan for your specific situation. Roof rats are dangerous and can be harmful to your home’s structure, and they can make you sick as well.
You can also place rat traps around your home or building, ensuring that they are easily accessible. Try using spring or electronic traps in high-activity areas, and check the baits for signs of rodent activity. If you still cannot get rid of the rodents, you can try using a rat repellent such as Provoke Rat Attractant. To get rid of roof rats, remember to clean your home from food crumbs and debris.