Roof rat infestations are surprisingly common in Langhorne. Among the earliest signs of a problem with these large rodents are gnaw marks on various items and surfaces as well rat droppings. Some property owners may even see disturbing grease marks left on walls. These are the result of roof rats allowing their fur to brush against walls as they travel from place to place.
Roof rats sometimes are called ship rats or black rats. However, their most common name comes from the species' preference for nesting in the upper stories of man-made structures. In addition to having a reputation for aggressive behavior, these rats are known for the extensive structural damage they can cause as well as spreading numerous illnesses.
Roof rat nests can be difficult to locate, and the longer the infestation is allowed to persist, the worse the situation becomes. Reproduction is rapid, and this leaves the building's occupants more at risk for becoming seriously ill or suffering a bite or a scratch.
Because rodent infestations are serious health hazards and can be problematic to control, sensible property owners call in a pest management professional to deal with the issue. Exterminators are adept at locating roof rat nests, blocking entrance points and safely using poisoned baits that are exceptionally effective at killing unwanted pests.
WHAT DO
ROOF RAT
S LOOK LIKE?
It can be difficult for people to distinguish a roof rat from a Norway rat, but a professional is trained to identify these rodents on sight. Roof rats have bodies that are long and slender as well as oversized ears and eyes that enable them to navigate more easily in the dark. Their black or brown fur is soft and smooth, unlike the coarse fur that covers the Norway rat. Most adults measure about six to eight inches in body length with the tail measuring seven to ten additional inches. Body weights of between five and nine ounces are common.
WHAT DO
ROOF RAT
S EAT?
One of the reasons why roof rats have thrived over the centuries is their omnivorous eating habit. They show a preference for a plant-based diet like berries, fruits, nuts and seeds, but they also will eat cockroaches, slugs and snails. Roof rats that live close to lakes or rivers may eat aquatic organisms, and some of these animals have been observed eating a variety of fish and shellfish.
With their oversized ears and eyes, roof rats are adapted for nocturnal foraging. Between dusk and dawn, members of the species may look for food in kitchens, pantries, cafeterias and dining rooms. Even small traces of food left in an unexpected location are enough to tempt them from their hiding places. Meat, bread, peanut butter, chocolate, fruits, vegetables, grains and many other foods that are intended for people are attractive to roof rats.
WHERE DO
ROOF RAT
S LIVE?
Like other rodents, roof rats have many predators. This means that their habitat requirements include dense foliage cover. Common nesting locations in the outdoors include tree hollows, especially if the tree is covered in vines. Any spot where vegetation is particularly dense will serve, and roof rats may be discovered nesting in woodpiles or a pile of discarded trash. Tall trees with strong spreading branches provide another option.
Man-made structures are a good alternative for nesting sites. Roof rats may look for a tree that has branches that touch or at least overlap the roof of a building. These branches will be used to get on top of the building, then the rat begins to look for a way inside. With their ability to squeeze through surprisingly small openings, it is relatively easy to get indoors, and the roof rat can always use its teeth to enlarge an opening. Some of the most common indoor nesting sites include soffits, wall voids, rafters and attics.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ROOF RATS
When infestations are undetected or ignored, considerable property damage may ensue. Perhaps one of the first signs of a problem is a terrible odor permeating the building. Frequently, this smell is caused by rodent waste products.
Much of the damage to the structure may be taking place above the ceiling or behind the walls where people are less likely to see it. Gnaw marks may be found on frames for windows and doors as well as around exterior openings in the building. Roof rats similarly may gnaw on furniture, drapes, rugs and carpets.
Cardboard cartons, documents, books, clothing, towels and sheets all may be shredded by roof rats. Wiring sometimes receives significant damage after being chewed on. Such damage may be responsible for unexpected power outages, malfunctioning equipment or even electrical fires. Even plumbing pipes may be damaged by gnawing roof rats.
ARE ROOF RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Langhorne residents should take the presence of these rodents seriously since people are injured from roof rat infestations each year. Roof rats are nocturnal and they do go to great lengths to keep people from noticing their presence. Still, the longer an infestation continues, the more likely encounters between people and rats become. As the roof rat population grows, the need to forage around the clock arises. Confrontations may become more common.
People are most likely to receive a bite or a scratch from a roof rat if they accidentally corner an animal. Any wounds received require immediate medical assistance.
DO ROOF RATS CARRY DISEASE?
Roof rats are irresistibly drawn to the rooms in which people prepare, store or eat food. Seeking a meal, they will consume any crumbs or spills on surfaces. The rodents also get into food that is stored for later consumption.
At the roof rats forage in kitchens, pantries and cafeterias, they spread bacteria. Among these is salmonellosis, a bacteria that is responsible for many cases of food poisoning. People who eat contaminated food or who prepare food on a contaminated surface may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Food poisoning is the most common illness associated with a roof rat infestation, but more serious sicknesses like the plague, trichinosis, toxoplasmosis, murine typhus, rat-bite fever and others also may be spread by the species.
Further, most roof rats are infested with several ectoparasites that are a threat to people. These fleas and ticks can spread numerous serious diseases.
HOW TO DETECT ROOF RATS
Signs of a roof rat infestation include the following:
• Foul odors indoors • Visual sightings of rats • Gnaw or grease marks around the property • Nests discovered in attics or rafters • Shredded linens and textiles • Rat droppings
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF RATS
To help protect against roof rat problems the following measures should be taken:
• Cut back tree limbs to prevent contact with roofs • Eliminate cracks and holes in building exteriors • Clean up after preparing or eating food • Use pest-proof food storage methods • Keep garbage cans clean • Trim lawns and foliage to prevent overgrowth • Fix problems with standing water or leaks
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 Langhorne area home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
