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Roof Rats

What Are Roof Rats?

roof rat illustration

There are two main species of rats that are common invaders of homes and businesses—the Norway rat and the roof rat. Roof rats are the smaller of the two rat species. Their light build makes them excellent climbers. In fact, they are often found climbing trees in order to access buildings, and they get their name from the fact that they can often be found in the upper levels of buildings.

Roof rats are dark brown or black in color with a contrasting, lighter-colored underbelly. The body of the roof rat grows to between six and eight inches in length, and their long scaly tail adds another seven to ten inches to their total body length. Usually, their tails grow longer than their bodies. Roof rats have pointed noses, along with large ears and eyes.

Are Roof Rats Dangerous?

Yes, roof rats are dangerous when they invade your property. There are several reasons why you don’t want these pests getting into your home.

Roof rats are a species of rodent, which means that their front incisors are constantly growing. In order to prevent overgrowth of these teeth, rats will chew on anything they come across. In a building, they will chew on and through drywall, insulation, wires, pipes, furniture, clothing, books, and other personal items. Not only does this cause severe damage to your property, but it also leads to potential fire hazards and water damage.

Along with destroying property, roof rats also spread many diseases by contaminating surfaces with bacteria and other pathogens. Wherever the rats travel, they leave behind a trail of urine and feces. Rats are known for transmitting serious diseases to people including salmonellosis and dysentery.

Roof rats can also bring parasites into your house. Fleas, ticks, and mites are just a few of the parasites that are often found on rats. Once inside your house, these parasites may end up looking for new hosts and finding what they need from you, your family members, or your pets.

While less likely, there’s also a chance of getting injured if you come into direct contact with a roof rat. Although these pests prefer to remain out of sight of humans, if they feel that they are in danger, they won’t hesitate to bite.

What Causes Roof Rats?

Roof rats generally enter homes or businesses because these places offer them easy access to the three things they need for survival: food, water, and shelter. Roof rats can enter your home or business at any time of the year, but are more likely to do so in the fall, when the weather cools, food becomes harder to find outside, and they need a safe space to overwinter.

Although roof rats can figure out a way to get into almost any structure, they’re more likely to be attracted to a building with easy access. If the roof of your house is easily accessible from tree branch “bridges”, if there are open vents or other entry points, and if there are food sources around the exterior of your house, roof rats will likely decide to move in with you.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Rid of Roof Rats Myself?

Do-it-yourself roof rat control options, such as traps or bait, are most often ineffective because they are not used or placed properly, and they can also be dangerous for people, pets, and children to come into contact with. Furthermore, DIY rat control does nothing to solve the issue of why the rats are in your house in the first place. If that question is not resolved, a re-infestation will likely occur. 

If roof rats have infested your home or business, the best solution is to contact the Nashville pest control professionals at All-American Pest Control today. We offer thorough and effective roof rat control.

How To Prevent a Roof Rat Infestation

The following prevention tips can help to reduce the chance of a roof rat infestation occurring on your property:

  • Seal cracks, crevices, and spaces found along the foundation, exterior walls, and utility entrances. Basically, repair any area around your home or property that can act as an entry point for these destructive pests. Be sure to look up high around the roof and eaves, since these are the areas where roof rats usually get inside.

  • Remember that roof rats are climbers and act accordingly by trimming back trees, bushes, and other landscaping elements so they don’t touch the exterior of your home.

  • Remove easy access to water sources by repairing leaky pipes and drains. Make sure that gutters are working properly and are not clogged.

  • Identify food sources that are around the outside of your house, such as fruit trees and bird feeders. Remove the food sources to deter roof rats from visiting your property.

  • Store food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator. Don’t leave food on counters or dirty dishes in the sink.

  • Place pet food in sealed containers, whether it is being stored inside or outside of your home.

  • Keep clutter to a minimum in attics, closets, and other storage areas.

Why Choose All-American Pest Control?

All-American Pest Control has over 60 years of pest control experience. As a local company, we understand the pest problems that people in Middle Tennessee face and we know the time, effort, and patience it takes to solve a roof rat problem. By choosing All-American Pest Control, you can be sure that you will receive quality services, thorough treatments, and a commitment to solving your roof rat problem by our trained, experienced, and friendly experts.

Rodent infestations are one of the most common pest problems in Tennessee. Because of that, we don’t think you should have to pay extra to receive rodent control services. Roof rats, Norway rats, and mice are all covered by our Perimeter Plus pest control plan. 

We’ll perform a detailed inspection to determine what’s attracting the rats to your property, how they’re getting inside, and where they’re staying, then provide you with the ongoing services necessary to remove the infestation in its entirety and make sure it doesn’t return. For effective roof rat control in Nashville, contact All-American Pest Control today.

 
 
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