Roof rats are scavengers that contaminate food and other areas they visit. Scratching noises at night and glimpses of them during the day are signs of an infestation.
Rat droppings are banana-shaped and three times larger than mouse droppings. Urine stains and odors are also signs of a problem. Contact Roof Rat Removal Texas now!
A pest control professional can help with roof rat removal by examining the area and securing entry points. Trimming branches and vines, and removing preharvest fruit, can also be helpful.
Regardless of how much trapping and poisoning you do, rats will return if entry points remain open. It is essential that you take steps to deny rats access, shelter, and food sources when dealing with a roof rat infestation.
Rodents can enter through gaps as small as a dime, so be sure to inspect your building for any holes and cracks that are wide enough for them to pass through. Seal any openings with caulking or steel wool (stainless steel mesh works best for larger holes) to make it impossible for them to use these routes. Make sure that your attic vents are tightly sealed, and that there are no gaps around the chimney. Also, check for vents near sinks, water heaters, laundry rooms and garages that can be used by rodents to crawl into your home or business.
Rats are also adept at climbing, so you will need to look for them in the upper parts of your building. Look for any trees or tall shrubs that overhang your roof, and trim them back if necessary to prevent them from using the limbs to reach your roof. You may need to place metal screens over attic vents, and you should stuff the chimney with steel wool or copper mesh to prevent rat entry.
Chimneys are common entry points for a roof rat infestation, and sealing it can help protect your home from the costly damage they cause. It is also possible to have your chimney repaired instead of replacing it, which can save you money in the long run.
You should also focus on denying rats food and water, by storing human and pet food in chew-proof containers, and keeping lawn upkeep to a minimum. Rats thrive in overgrown lawns, where they can hide in dense vegetation. By keeping a well-maintained yard, you can keep weeds under control, and keep grass clippings away from the foundation of your house. In addition, regular composting and wood pile maintenance will help prevent rats from using them as a hiding place. You can also apply a natural deterrent to your property, such as peppermint oil, to drive the rats away from the area.
Place Traps
If you see rodent tracks in your garden or around your home, listen for scratching noises at night, and/or see evidence of their presence, it’s time to take action. Rodents are opportunistic creatures, and they’re drawn to homes where food, water, and shelter are easily available. To prevent these pests from staying and multiplying, you need to deny them all of these resources.
Outdoors, keep grass and shrubs trimmed back to minimize nesting spots. Prune trees and remove dead branches to block travel pathways. Keep rubbish tightly sealed and regularly removed, and never leave it out overnight.
Inside, check kitchens, basements, attics, and garages for signs of rodent activity. Search for droppings, tracks in dusty areas, gnawed or chewed items, and greasy marks along walls. Look for holes in the walls and roof, as well as cracks and crevices.
Keeping food sources to a minimum is essential to eliminating roof rats. Store grains, seeds, nuts, fruit, and sweet or salty snacks in rodent-proof containers, and keep garbage sealed up tightly at all times. Don’t leave pet food or water bowls out overnight, and fix leaky faucets or outdoor spigots.
Rat traps are effective at catching and killing these pests, but you’ll need to place them correctly to ensure they work. Snap traps are the traditional rodent-catching option, and though they may seem cruel, their sharp steel jaws snap down on a rat’s neck with minimal discomfort. Baiting systems and poisons are also effective in controlling rat populations, but these products should be used with care to avoid risks to children, pets, and non-target wildlife.
The most effective way to control a rat problem is to use a combination of preventative and extermination methods. Repellents can help deter rats for a while, but they won’t be effective in the long run. Regular sanitization will also prevent rats from staying and breeding in your home. Store all foods in rodent-proof containers, remove rubbish frequently, and keep garbage bins tightly sealed (wheelie bins are recommended). Eliminate water sources by storing food, pet bowls, and other water items in secure containers, and regularly cleaning areas that could collect crumbs and spills.
Use Natural Deterrents
Rats are opportunistic and will move into any home or business that offers the resources they need: food, water, and shelter. They’re like breeding machines, and a small problem can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation. Fortunately, there are preventative steps you can take to keep rats out of your roof space.
Sealing off entry points is the best way to stop a rat problem in its tracks. Identify all possible entrance points, and use caulk or steel wool to fill in any cracks or crevices. Rats can squeeze through openings that are as small as half an inch in size, so you should be thorough. Examine all the corners of your home and garage, as well as around pipes and drains.
Eliminating a rat’s food and water sources will also help. Keep rubbish away from the home, and store items in sealed containers (including pet food). Clean up any messes immediately, and remove scraps or leftovers from the yard. If you have outdoor water sources, such as rainwater or condensation, install covers or tarps to protect them from rodents.
If you have a garden, consider switching to natural plants that are less attractive to rats. And, if you have trees or shrubs on your property, trim them regularly to eliminate hiding places and nesting sites. Finally, avoid storing firewood or other material close to your house. Rats love to chew on them, and the result can be broken shingles, water pipes, or electrical wires.
There are many options for traps and deterrents when it comes to preventing a rat infestation, from traditional snap traps to Glue Traps. Glue traps are flat pieces of cardboard coated with a strong glue, which catches the rat when it crawls over it. However, a trapped rat will often struggle and gnaw at the surface of the trap, causing it to suffocate, bleed, or break its limbs. Alternatively, there are electronic traps that kill rats via high-voltage shock. Other options include peppermint oil, ammonia, or ultrasonic deterrents that emit high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant to rats but inaudible to humans and other animals.
Hire a Professional
Rats are dangerous and should be eliminated as soon as you notice signs of an infestation. These rodents can spread diseases, such as leptospirosis and rat-bite fever, cause fire hazards by chewing on electrical wiring, and damage insulation and wood structures. They also introduce fleas into homes, introducing another source of disease and discomfort for your family and pets. While you can try to trap and kill rats on your own, it is often best to hire a professional. Professionals have the supplies and experience to quickly eliminate a problem, and they can help you prevent future infestations.
Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, so it is important to seal off all entry points into your home. You can use caulk, steel wool, and cement to fill in cracks. You should also place wire mesh screens over vents and make sure attic windows are closed. You should also trim tree limbs and keep rubbish away from the house.
In addition to preventing entrance into your home, you can also keep rats out of your yard by removing potential food sources and water sources. Pick up fallen fruit and sanitize bird feeders before sunset. Also, limit the amount of food you leave outside and store it in rat-proof containers.
If you hear scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic, walls, or ceiling of your home, it is likely due to a roof rat infestation. Other symptoms include rat droppings, which are usually concentrated in one area and resemble grain-of-rice-sized pellets. You may also see gnawed areas in walls, support beams, or pipes.
Although it is possible to get rid of a roof rat infestation on your own, you can minimize the risk by following the tips above. If you have a severe or stubborn problem, hiring a pest control specialist is the best option. Rats are incredibly resilient and difficult to eradicate on your own, but professionals can use traps, baits, and other effective strategies to quickly and safely get rid of the problem. Professionals also have the knowledge and tools to quickly find and remove rats in attics, walls, or other hard-to-reach places.