What are Roof Rats?
Roof rats are larger than Norway rats and thrive in warm climates. Originally from Southeast Asia, they’re now found in tropical regions worldwide. They climb well, often living in attics, rafters, or trees. Roof rats chew through materials, spoil food, and carry health risks.
Identifying Roof Rats
Appearance
Roof rats are slender with large eyes, big ears, and a pointed nose. Their fur is brown with black patches and a smooth texture, often with a white, gray, or black underbelly. Adults measure 6–8 inches long (head and body), with a 7–10-inch scaly tail, totaling up to 16 inches. They weigh 5–12 ounces.
Signs of Infestation
Look for these clues:
Live or dead rats.
Droppings (1/2 inch, pointy ends; fresh ones are soft, older ones are dry).
Greasy rub marks or gnaw marks on wires, wood, or packaging.
Squeaking noises from attics or walls.
Nests in insulation or hidden areas.
Preventing Roof Rat Infestations
To keep roof rats out:
Seal Entry Points: Use silicone caulk to close gaps larger than a quarter. Screen vents and windows.
Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and bushes away from your home. Prune overhanging branches.
Secure Food: Store dry foods, including pet food, in airtight containers. Remove fallen fruit and secure trash cans.
Eliminate Water Sources: Fix leaky sprinklers, empty pet bowls, and drain bird baths.
Hire Professionals: Contact a pest control expert to assess and treat your property.
What Do Roof Rats Eat?
Roof rats eat almost anything but prefer fruits, berries, seeds, slugs, snails, insects, and small rodents. Near water, they may catch fish or shellfish. They forage at dusk and dawn, often hoarding nuts and seeds in hidden spots.
Roof Rat Habits and Habitat
Roof rats are nocturnal and thrive in cooler months. They travel fixed routes between nests and food sources, often in groups of up to 10. Skilled climbers, they nest in attics, rafters, or woodpiles. They’re drawn to lush vegetation, fruit trees, or cluttered areas. Any opening larger than a nickel can let them into homes, sheds, or garages.
Health Risks of Roof Rats
Roof rats pose serious threats:
Diseases: They spread bubonic plague, typhus, rat-bite fever, and food poisoning via fleas or contamination.
Bites: Threatened rats may bite, causing infections like rat-bite fever (symptoms: fever, nausea, joint pain).
Damage: They chew wires, risking fires, and burrow in wood, weakening structures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to pest control, many people believe it is best to wait until there is a problem before taking action. At this stage, exterminating bugs may be both expensive and inconvenient for you. Because of the savings you’ll save on future treatments as well as the assurance that your house is bug-free, preventive pest control is an excellent investment.
It is common for pest control treatments to include a wide range of products. In order to provide you with the best possible solution, an expert will perform an in-depth assessment of your house. Conventional pesticide treatments are often used in pest management, depending on the specifics of your circumstance.
We recommend contacting our office to get a quote for your specific pest control requirements since the level of infestation and the surrounding environment affect the price.
On Demand does NOT charge for inspections. Our objective is to provide each customer with a personalized strategy. We know where to look for certain types of bugs, and we will perform a full inspection to find them. Additionally, we will also check for any other type of pest that may have made their way into your home. Each strategy takes into account the specifics of the property, issue, and the surrounding area. You may request an inspection by contacting (954) 947-0805.