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In our Nashville service area, we have two rat species that can become problems. One is a burrowing rat that is usually brown in color. The other is a black rat that likes to climb trees. We're going to be talking about those tree climbing rats today. They're called roof rats.
What Makes Roof Rats Unique?
If you're hoping to keep rats out of your Nashville home, it is important to know which type of rat you're up against. Brown rats are called Norway rats. While they can get into your home, they would prefer to go in and out of your home and live in a burrow in your yard. On the contrary, when roof rats get into your home, they usually stay. This is why roof rats are sometimes referred to as house rats.
How do roof rats get inside homes?
A roof rat can get into your home through any entry point from the ground to the tip of your chimney. Here are some tips for keeping them off your roof and out of your home:
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Trim tree branches away from your roofline. This will stop roof rats from jumping onto your roof.
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Trim bushes and shrubs away from your exterior. This prevents roof rats from using your bushes to get to higher points on the outside of your home.
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Push wire mesh in your downspouts. This keeps roof rats from working their way up your downspouts.
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Use a caulking gun to fill in any hole or gap around your foundation that is the size of a quarter or larger.
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Seal gaps around exterior window and door frames.
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Replace damaged screens, weatherstripping, vent covers, and door sweeps.
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Fix broken window panes.
How do you keep roof rats out of your yard?
Roof rats can come into your yard for no reason at all, but there are some attractants that can lure them in or make them want to stay. Here are a few to consider:
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Standing water will give roof rats a drink. Remove containers and address conditions that lead to standing water.
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Bugs are a food source for roof rats. To reduce bug habitats, keep your grass trimmed, remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping, and rake leaves up.
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An open garbage receptacle is an open invitation for dinner. Keep your exterior trash in covered containers and keep your containers free of smells.
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Fruit that falls from fruit trees will be an enticing treat. Do your best to pick fruit up and put it in a receptacle.
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Pet food that is left in a bowl outside, or bags of dry pet food left in a shed or storage room can be a strong attractant. Keep stored food in sealed plastic containers to reduce the scent that can attract roof rats.
The Danger Of Having Roof Rats
When these rats get into your home, they can present threats to your health and your property. Here are just a few of the ways roof rats can be a problem:
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They chew holes that allow rainwater into your home.
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They chew holes that let other pests into your home.
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They damage stored furniture and other stored goods.
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They chew holes in food packages and contaminate the foods within.
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They bring ticks, fleas, and other parasites in with them.
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They leave their feces and urine everywhere they explore.
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They can chew on a wire and cause a house fire.
Rodent Control
If roof rats are a problem for you, remember that the service team at All-American Pest Control can help you with rodent removal and rodent management. We provide industry-leading rodent control solutions in Nashville. We can guide you in selecting the right service for your specific needs and budget. We can also direct you toward ongoing pest control service to help you keep roof rats, and many other pests, from being a problem around your Nashville home. Contact us today for assistance. We're here to help.