Roof rats can transmit diseases such as rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and typhus to humans. To keep these rats away, trees and shrubs must be trimmed, limbs must not hang over homes or buildings, and wall holes must be sealed.
The best way to prevent a rat infestation is to eliminate sources of food and water, such as storing all foods in sealed containers. Regularly removing debris and preventing plumbing leaks are also effective. Click the Roof Rat Removal Service Texas to learn more.
Like other rodents, roof rats can carry bacteria and viruses that are dangerous to humans. They spread these diseases through their urine, droppings, saliva, and fur. They can also cause damage to buildings by chewing through wires and tearing up insulation. They can also contaminate food and cookware by urinating on them.
Often found nesting in attics, rafters, and ceilings, these nocturnal pests are adept at climbing. They can squeeze through spaces as small as half an inch, so if you notice signs of rats in your home, you should seek professional pest control services right away.
Some signs of a rat infestation include scratching or chewing sounds in the walls, ceiling, or attic. Droppings, tracks, or gnaw marks around the outside of the home are also common indicators of a rat problem. Rats are known to chew on electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard in your home. They can also strip the coating off of copper wire, exposing it to bare metal and causing a short circuit that can start a house fire.
Another indication of a rat infestation is unexplained electrical outages and sparks in the home. Rats chew through electric wires to gain access to other parts of the home, which can create a fire hazard. They can also rip open ductwork to find hidden areas to nest in and damage drywall and insulation.
A rat infestation can quickly become out of control, as roof rats are prolific breeders. They have an average litter size of five to eight babies per year, and they can grow very fast. Rats love abandoned homes and new construction, as they can use the gap between a wall and roof to enter.
You can prevent a rat invasion by maintaining clean and sanitary areas in and around the home. Store foods in airtight containers and keep garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to minimize attractants for rodents. Trim overgrown shrubbery and vines, and eliminate places where rats can hide. Discourage outdoor pet food from being left out overnight, and keep bird feeders out of reach of rats.
Inspection
Rats can cause costly damage to homes and commercial buildings. They chew on electrical wiring, requiring expensive repairs or even starting fires. They also destroy insulation and spread filth throughout homes, buildings, and stored items. Rats nest in attics, false ceilings and other aboveground locations. They also gnaw on the insulation of automobiles, boats and stored RVs, causing damage and exposing the wires to potential electrical failure and fire.
A professional rodent control plan includes inspections and a series of trapping, baiting, exclusion, and preventive measures that eliminate the problem permanently. These comprehensive plans are best executed by a trained wildlife service professional.
Often, the first signs of a roof rat infestation are droppings and other rodent tracks around your property. You might also notice gnaw marks on wood, wires, and other materials.
In addition, you might hear rat noises or smell a musty odor. The presence of rat urine and feces can also cause contamination of food and other areas of your home or business.
When a pest control technician arrives to inspect your property, he or she will be looking for all possible entry points into the structure. Some of these are obvious, such as holes in the siding or roofing. Other ways rats gain access are less apparent. These might include damaged vent screens, loose garage door closures and gaps around chimneys.
The technician will also inspect ledges, cabinets, and other elevated places where the rats are most likely to live. He or she will identify all possible nest sites and determine the extent of the infestation. This helps him or her determine the number of traps to set and the types of bait to use. The size of the rat population also affects the length of time the trapping and removal process takes.
Once a rat is in your attic or crawl space, it will create travel tunnels through insulation and compress or gnaw it down to the point that it no longer insulates or protects. The insulation in these tight spaces is also filthy and contaminated with rodent droppings, urine, and feces. This is why it is essential that your pest control specialist thoroughly inspects your attic and crawl space before implementing any rat control program.
Treatment
Rats are a common household pest that can cause damage to your property and spread dangerous diseases to your family and pets. Rodents are excellent climbers and can access homes through roof vents, attic spaces, or eaves. Their droppings, urine, and saliva can spread zoonotic diseases such as murine typhus, leptospirosis, salmonella, rat bite fever, and plague. They also chew through electrical wires, causing fire hazards and expensive repairs. Their urine also has a high protein content that can cause post-nasal drip and other allergy symptoms.
Like other rodents, roof rats breed rapidly. Females can have up to 12 litters in a year, with each litter containing between 4 and 22 young. This rapid multiplication leads to a quick and severe infestation. Attempting to handle a rat problem on your own can expose you and your family to disease-causing toxins from handling and breathing extermination chemicals. It can also lead to poor results as DIY solutions are often ineffective and do not address the root causes of the infestation.
An experienced rat control company can safely and effectively eliminate your rat infestation. A professional will identify the entry points into your home, remove all nests and colonies, and block all possible points of reentry. They can also install a custom mouse and rat exclusion plan to keep them from returning.
To prevent future rat infestations, be vigilant about cleaning up food messes and crumbs. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and transfer pantry items into airtight containers. Water sources such as puddles, ornamental ponds, birdbaths, and leaky faucets should be eliminated. Be sure to regularly check and fix any plumbing issues as rats need a constant supply of fresh, clean water to survive.
To prevent rat nests from appearing, trim tree limbs and shrubbery so that they do not hang over the roof of your house. Store firewood away from the structure and remove brush piles that rats can hide under. You should also store food in sealed, rodent-proof containers and use a garbage disposal service that recycles as much waste as possible.
Prevention
Rats can be a serious nuisance, but more importantly, they are carriers of zoonotic diseases that pose a health risk to humans. This is why quick roof rat control is vital. These nocturnal rodents will chew through just about anything to get at the food they need, including electrical wires and insulation. They also carry a variety of other diseases that can be transmitted through contact with their droppings, saliva, hair, and body dander.
The first step in getting rid of rats is to hire a pest control professional that understands how to handle them safely. The professionals at Trutech use a combination of trapping methods and preventative services to provide the best results possible. They can help homeowners prevent re-infestation by sealing holes that are larger than a quarter, and placing wire mesh screens over vents and attic windows. They can also help with yard maintenance, such as trimming tree limbs that may fall onto the roof and create an entry point for rats.
Since roof rats prefer to nest off the ground, they often enter homes through gaps and cracks that are as small as a quarter of an inch. Homeowners can seal these openings with caulk, and make sure that outdoor trash bins have tight lids. They should also remove any sources of water from the yard, such as birdbaths and clogged sprinkler heads.
It’s also important to get rid of any rat hiding spots. Rats may cache food in attics or other locations, and if they feel threatened by an exterminator, they will move these hoarded items to safer places. Homeowners should also be vigilant about removing any food sources, such as crumbs or excess trash, from their homes. It’s also a good idea to transfer pantry items into airtight containers and to keep pet food in secure bags.
Natural deterrents that are safe for the environment are an alternative to rodenticides. These options use scents or substances that roof rats find unpleasant to discourage them from approaching the home. They can include mothballs, chili pepper flakes, garlic, and oils like peppermint and clove. Some homeowners also opt for ultrasonic devices, which emit a high-pitched sound that repels these pests.