When roof rats move in, property owners in Bensalem may be tempted to move out. That is because these large rodents are destructive and known for spreading dangerous diseases. If roof rats are allowed to remain in man-made structures, the results can be disastrous.
Also known as black rats and ship rats, roof rats generally are found in the upper parts of buildings, such as the attic or rafters. Coming indoors is natural to these rodents, as they know that living with people makes their existence much simpler. Unfortunately, people tend to make it easy for roof rats to come indoors by ignoring gaps, cracks and holes in building exteriors.
Other factors that make structures more vulnerable to rodent infestation include careless food storage and leaving crumbs and spills lying on kitchen surfaces. Roof rats have incredibly keen sense of smell. Even a minuscule crumb can attract their attention.
Sometimes, roof rats make use of clutter that people use outdoors as an alternative nesting site. Overgrown vegetation in the yard or other landscaping similarly operates as an open invitation to enterprising rodents. When tree limbs overhang a roof, roof rats have no challenge to getting on the roof and into the building. By cleaning up outdoor areas and keeping landscapes manicured, it is possible to discourage roof rat activity on the premises.
How can people know that roof rats are present? These nocturnal animals are stealthy, but they eventually give themselves away with their determined activity. Perhaps it is only a scattering of rat feces or a few tiny footprints in a dusty surface, but these signs are sufficient to indicate a rodent problem.
While property owners may be tempted to minimize the issue by assuming that they only have one or two roof rats, chances are good that the problem is far more widespread. These animals excel at concealment, and they tend to be most active at night and in out-of-the-way areas where people are less likely to notice them.
When the first sign of a roof rat infestation is discovered, it is imperative that a licensed pest management professional be contacted.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS LOOK LIKE?
Norway rats and roof rats share several characteristics that may make it difficult for the average person to distinguish between the species. Norway rats are large, heavy and bulky while roof rats tend to be sleeker and demonstrate heightened agility.
Full-grown roof rats have bodies that are approximately eight inches long. The tail may measure an additional eight inches or longer. Although most of the animal is covered in dark brown or black fur, the tail is hairless and scaly. Other characteristics include oversized ears and eyes as well as a pointy muzzle.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS EAT?
Roof rats are reviled by farmers for the damage that they do to crops of fruit and nuts. People who like to grow produce at home or who have a small orchard will have similar problems when roof rats are in the area.
In addition to fruit, nuts and a wide variety of produce, roof rats will eat seeds, insects such as cockroaches as well as slugs and snails. Scientists have observed roof rats dining upon fish and other aquatic species when the rodents live close to ponds, lakes and streams.
Accordingly, roof rats are considered omnivorous eaters. They are not at all selective about what they consume, and the rooms in which people may prepare, store or eat food are susceptible to infestation and contamination because of the appetites of these rodents. Meat, fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, peanut butter, syrup, honey, bread, pet food and many other edible things will be consumed by roof rats.
WHERE DO ROOF RATS LIVE?
When the weather is mild, roof rats may be found nesting in tall trees. However, they much prefer to live in man-made structures, usually in the upper parts of the building like the eaves, attic or rafters. Wall voids frequently provide a good hiding spot for a nest.
Despite their preference for elevated nests and their adept climbing skills, members of the species do not always choose to live in these spots. Any room that has storage boxes and plenty of clutter can provide excellent places to hide. Cardboard and other flimsy boxes are ideal as they are so easy to get into. Roof rats further will nest in dense, overgrown shrubbery.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ROOF RATS
Using their sharp and strong teeth and claws, roof rats can cause an incredible amount of damage to all sorts of man-made structures. A small hole in the building's exterior can be enlarged, and once the rats get indoors, the destruction only gets worse. Everything from rafters and support joists to furniture and clothing can sustain damage. Moreover, roof rats are indiscriminate about where they leave their waste products. These can destroy books, papers and other items while also contaminating food and food preparation surfaces.
Fires are sometimes caused by roof rats too. Chewing on electrical cords and wires is common, resulting in shorts and blazes that could utterly destroy a building.
ARE ROOF RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Roof rats in Bensalem try to avoid people, which they see as predators. If possible, roof rats will run away when they see humans, but if they are cornered, they will react with aggression. That means people are likely to suffer bites and scratches, and these wounds can lead to serious health complications.
DO ROOF RATS CARRY DISEASE?
Whether through physical contact, eating contaminated food or a bite that breaks the skin, people are susceptible to many diseases that are commonly carried by roof rats. These animals frequently are infected with rabies, which can be spread to people. Cases of food poisoning and dysentery also may be traced back to roof rats, and the fleas that infest rodents similarly may make people sick.
HOW TO DETECT ROOF RATS
Signs of a roof rat infestation include:
• Piles of rat feces found anywhere indoors • Prints from rat feet or tails are seen in dusty surfaces • People report visual sightings on the property • Pets seem disturbed or uneasy • Rustling and squeaking noises may be heard behind walls or above ceilings
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF RATS
To help prevent roof rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Switch to using pest-proof food storage containers • Immediately put dirty dishes into the dishwasher instead of the sink • Clean up spills and crumbs as soon as they occur • Store pet food away, making it available only at mealtimes • Vacuum and dust more often • Get rid of excessive clutter indoors and out • Rearrange and clean storage rooms on a regular basis • Trim grass shorter • Prune trees, hedges and bushes • Prevent foliage from contacting building exteriors • Select garbage cans that have tight lids • Ensure that garbage cans are routinely cleaned • Haul yard debris piles to the dump
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
