Roof Rats While Roof Rats are not native to Arizona, households in the Greater Phoenix area have reportedly seen an increase of this rodent species in the past few years. Frequently Asked Questions What is a Roof Rat Roof Rats Rattus rattus , sometimes called black rats, fruit rats or house rats, are aerial, very agile climbers and usually live and nest above ground in shrubs, trees, and dense vegetation such as ivy.
What are common signs of Roof Rat activity? Hollowed citrus and other fruit Noises in the attic and walls especially at night Gnawing sounds and gnaw marks around roof eaves Damage to plastics and covering on electrical wires How do Roof Rats get into a house? Roof Rats frequently enter homes and garden sheds through any opening larger than a nickel They follow pipes down from the attic, sneak through doggie doors, gnaw through drywall and enter kitchens, bathrooms or base sink cabinets They chew through wood, plastic, aluminum siding, and dry wall These rodents are fond of attics because they provide a safe refuge and a nesting place for their young Roof Rats have been known to enter the sewer system through the roof vent pipes What can I do to keep Roof Rats out of my house?
Contact an exterminator for assistance Keep fruit from trees away from your roof remembering that rats can jump from trees to your roof Use stucco diamond mesh to screen and seal all holes and vents leading to your home Look for holes in exterior walls and near hot water heaters, washers and dryers dryer vent pipes and sewer stacks on the roof. Store pet food in sealed containers and do not leave it out at night Use proper garbage and refuse disposal containers and implement exterior sanitation programs Remove fruits or nuts that drop in backyards.
The rats can migrate from area to area in haul-away trimmings carried by landscapers. How should I handle dead rats, rat droppings, and nesting areas? Double bag both the disinfectant-soaked rat and cleanup materials securely in plastic bags and seal Dispose in city trash containers Before removing gloves, wash in disinfectant, then soap and water Dispose of gloves with other household waste. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water When do they travel? During twilight and nighttime hours in a territory to feet from their daytime nesting locations They thrive in cool weather and are most active from November through May What do they eat and drink?
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 serve as vectors of dangerous diseases.
Roof rats are thought to be of Southeast Asian origin, but they are now found worldwide, especially in the tropical regions. Roof rats are common in coastal states, seaports and the southern third of the country.
Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears, a pointed nose and a scaly tail. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black.
Their undersides are often white, gray or black. This means that roof rats can measure more than 40 cm long. They usually weigh ounces g , but can grow up to 12 ounces g.
There are many key indicators of a roof rat infestation in the home. First and foremost, seeing an actual rodent, dead or alive, is a telltale sign of a potential roof rat problem. Another common sign of a roof rat infestation is the presence of droppings around the home. Fresh roof rat droppings are soft and moist, whereas old droppings are hard and dried. The discovery of gnaw marks, damaged goods, nests or greasy rub marks also indicates roof rat activity.
Other common signs of an infestation are noises in the attic or house walls and damaged electrical wires. To learn more about common signs of a rodent infestation, click here. Snapshot of the appearance and distribution of roof rats.
To prevent a roof rat infestation, seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter with silicone caulk and be sure that all windows and vents are screened. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the building and cut back limbs overhanging the roof. Roof rats are drawn to any accessible food sources, so clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard and keep garbage in tightly covered receptacles. Be sure to also store pet food and other dry food in sealed containers.
Additionally, 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, contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct an inspection and work with you to develop a roof rat treatment plan.
Rodent infestations in the home can have a profound effect on health. Rodent feces can spread bacteria and trigger allergic reactions. For more on rodents, check out the rodent pest guides. A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary for getting rid of roof rats. Finding and treating the roof rats can be challenging, especially if it is a big infestation and they have nested deep within your home. A pest management professional has the expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the palm rat infestation.
Never Underestimate a Rat's Abilities. Schedule Free Inspection: Color: from black to dark gray to dark brownish grey, with lighter bellies. Roof Rat Facts Roof rats, also known as palm rats, palm tree rats, black rats, ship rats or house rats, are the leading rodent pest in Florida and in other tropical climates.
Roof Rat Damage Inside, these rodents can tear through insulation or gnaw on electrical wires, potentially short-circuiting any electronic devices. Roof Rat Infestation Signs of a roof rat infestation include droppings found inside of your home and gnaw marks on food packaging, wooden structures, electrical wires or other household items.
Frequently Asked Questions What do roof rat droppings look like? Roof rat droppings are dark banana-shaped pellets. How do you control a roof rat infestation? Need Catseye immediately? Call us at for prompt service, or fill out the form below to get started. Ha ha You should not see this field, but if you do leave it empty.
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