Why Roof Rats Can Cost You Money for Expensive Home Repairs
Roof rats, the smaller and more skittish cousin of the Norway rat, are frequently found in attics and other high out-of-the-way places. They don’t tolerate cold well, so they prefer homes along the coast and in warmer areas of the country, such as Arizona and Nevada. Like most rodents, they reproduce quickly and can have up to six litters per year. This means that just a pair of black rats can swiftly turn into a massive infestation if not dealt with right away.
Damage Caused by Roof Rats
As their name suggests, roof rats are talented climbers who have a preference for building their nests above ground. However, like all rodents, they can be extremely destructive. They may chew through walls, damage your home’s wiring, displace insulation and leave behind a path of devastation.
Rats and mice of all kinds are also known to carry diseases and parasites. They can easily contaminate the food in your pantry by tracking bacteria and other pathogens on their paws and tails. Some people may also experience allergies and illness related to rat feces, urine and dander left behind in the home.
These rats are generally shy and suspicious. You may not see or hear them at all until the population has grown significantly. Any time you see a rat in your home, you should assume that there are many more hiding elsewhere on in the property.
Rodent Control and Prevention
Because rats are intelligent and social creatures, they can be notoriously difficult to eradicate. They will quickly adapt to traps and poisons that are not laid out skillfully. Their swift reproductive cycles and explosive population growth also means that time wasted on ineffective removal methods only allows these rodents more opportunities to infest your home.
In general, the best way to protect your home from rodents is through prevention. Removing enticing food sources from in and around your home is the first step.
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Keep food and pet food stored in airtight, re-sealable containers.
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Maintain a clean property.
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Keep wood piles and other natural shelters away from the house.
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Inspect your home regularly for holes or cracks a rat could squeeze through.
If you see any signs of a rodent inside your home, assume that you may have an infestation. These signs include:
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Visibly seeing a rodent in the house, alive or dead.
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Finding chewed-up food packages, wiring or other items.
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Seeing small pellet-like droppings.
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Hearing the sound of gnawing or scratching, especially from inside the walls or ceiling.
Once a rodent infestation has been suspected, it’s time to call for professional assistance. The rodent control experts at Burns Pest Elimination can help. We have the tools and experience to alleviate pest problems before they get out of hand. Contact us today for more information or to request an inspection of your property.
