The moment people in Levittown see rat droppings in a residence or commercial building, they know that they are facing an uphill battle. Signs such as rat droppings, grease marks on walls and gnaw marks are clues that roof rats are almost certainly present. These dangerous animals are a threat to the structure as well as the people who occupy it, making early control extremely desirable.
Roof rats may not be quite as large as Norway rats, but they are just as much of a threat. Their common name is derived from their habit of creating nests in attics and other elevated spots in buildings. However, they also may be referred to as black rats or ship rats. These aggressive pests will do their best to intimidate people even as they wreak havoc on the structural integrity of the building and destroy its contents. Even worse is their propensity for transmitting diseases to people, many of which are quite serious.
It is not always easy to locate roof rat nests, and some time may pass before people become aware of an infestation. Accordingly, it is wise for property owners to work toward avoiding infestations before they occur. These efforts are centered on pest-proofing the building, and they may involve the assistance of a pest management professional who can take steps and recommend actions that protect people and the premises.
Roof rat control tends to not be a simple process. Instead, it is best to rely on Integrated Pest Management techniques to eradicate the population. Pest control technicians are trained to identify entry points, locate nests and find safe yet effective means of destroying the infestation. With their assistance, it is possible to make a full recovery from roof rat infestations.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS LOOK LIKE?
Roof rats and Norway rats may have physical similarities, but trained professionals immediately can distinguish between the two. The roof rat is long and slender and covered in sleek, soft fur that may be black or brown. Thanks to their enlarged eyes and ears, the roof rat is adapted to navigate in the dark. Body lengths of between six and eight inches are common. The tail sometimes measures up to another ten inches. Adult roof rats generally weigh five to nine ounces.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS EAT?
Members of this species definitely are adapted to survive. One of the characteristics that supports their success is their omnivorous eating habit. They will eat almost anything, although they do gravitate toward seeds, nuts, fruits and berries. Eating snails, slugs and cockroaches is common, and when these rodents live close to bodies of water or a river, they frequently eat shellfish, fish and a variety of other aquatic organisms.
Roof rats tend to emerge from their nests as the sun sets. Nighttime is ideal for food foraging, and the animals will raid kitchens, pantries and dining rooms in their search for a meal. Minute crumbs or a tiny spill of liquid quickly attract the roof rat with its keen sense of smell. Any food that is appropriate for consumption by people and pets will be attractive to roof rats. Some of their favorites include dog and cat food, meat, peanut butter, grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.
WHERE DO ROOF RATS LIVE?
Roof rats generally are prey rather than predators, which means that they seek well-protected spots in which to nest. If they are living outdoors, their nests may be concealed by dense foliage. Tree hollows, woodpiles and garbage piles all provide sufficient habitat for nesting. Given their proclivity for living in elevated locations, it is no surprise to see roof rats nesting in tall trees with wide spreading branches.
Almost any building is prone to infestation by roof rats, particularly if that building is not sealed up against pest invasion. It is especially easy for roof rats to gain access to buildings that have tall trees or shrubs adjacent to them. Branches that touch exterior walls or hang over the roof make it simple for these animals to begin looking for a way to get inside. Roof rats can wriggle through very small cracks, and their sharp teeth help them make small openings big enough to squeeze through.
Roof rat nests are likely to be found in attics, rafters, soffits and wall voids.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ROOF RATS
The presence of roof rats is not immediately evident in many cases. This allows more animals to come inside, and many of these will reproduce. Before long, a population of two or three roof rats has become dozens. This is the point at which some people will notice an offensive odor in the building. The result of roof rat feces and urine, this smell is impossible to ignore and difficult to eradicate.
Roof rats can cause extensive damage to buildings, frequently in rafters and attics where the destruction is not as apparent. They may gnaw on all sorts of building materials like wood, clay, brick, masonry, siding and sheetrock. Common items like rugs, curtains, blankets, towels, furniture and documents all may be shredded.
When an infestation is underway, people may discover signs of shredding in cardboard boxes that are storing a multitude of items. Even plumbing pipes and electrical wiring cannot escape the curious and determined roof rat. The result can be leaks and structural fires.
ARE ROOF RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Roof rat infestations in Levittown frequently result in bites and scratches. These injuries arise because people and roof rats are spending too much time in close proximity. A roof rat that is frightened will certainly lash out with teeth and claws, sometimes causing serious wounds or transmitting a harmful sickness.
DO ROOF RATS CARRY DISEASE?
Rodents cannot stay away from the foods that people like to eat. This means that they distribute bacteria and other contaminants that may be inadvertently ingested by people. This can lead to food poisoning with symptoms that include diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
Other potential illnesses that are spread by roof rats include rat-bite fever, murine typhus, toxoplasmosis, trichinosis and the plague. Many roof rats are themselves infested with fleas and ticks that also may carry diseases that make people sick.
HOW TO DETECT ROOF RATS
Signs of a roof rat infestation include:
• Rat waste products found indoors • Visual sightings on the property • Offensive odors inside the building • Nests in attics, rafters and other concealed places • Signs of shredding or gnawing
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF RATS
To help prevent roof rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Prevent trees and shrubs from contacting building exteriors • Use caulk, weather stripping and other materials to eliminate cracks in building exteriors • Ensure that garbage cans have tight lids • Routinely clean garbage cans • Keep lawns and foliage trimmed shorter • Upgrade cleaning practices in any places where food is stored, prepared or eaten • Store food in glass or metal containers
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.
