Large, destructive and dangerous, roof rats are a frightening sight in any Philadelphia residential or commercial setting. Whenever people suspect that roof rats have invaded, the wisest course of action is to call a licensed pest management technician.
What makes roof rats such a threat? This successful species keeps its numbers high by having incredible instincts for survival. They are extremely adaptable, which means that it is easy for them to survive in an array of environments and climates. Because they can eat virtually anything, food shortages are never a concern for the species. This means that once a population of roof rats becomes established, it is an uphill battle to evict them.
It does not help that people can either be slow to react or may take inadequate steps toward treatment. When roof rats are present, it is not enough to set out several traps and hope for the best. Members of the species are good at avoiding all but the most carefully placed traps. In addition, traps alone cannot stop the infestation. Additional measures are essential.
The moment people suspect that roof rats are present, it is imperative that they ask a pest control technician to perform an inspection on the property. The inspection not only identifies the problem species but also reveals how the animals are accessing the building. Information such as this is crucial to ending the infestation.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS LOOK LIKE?
With a body length of between six and eight inches, the roof rat can look formidable. Its scaly tail is an additional seven to ten inches for an overall length that could be as much as 18 inches. Weights of between five and nine ounces are common, though some of the largest roof rats can weigh up to 12 ounces.
Roof rats are long and sleek, unlike their chunkier cousins, the Norway rats. The nose is pointy and the ears and eyes are large. While the belly may be covered in cream, black or gray fur, the back typically features brown fur with a sprinkling of black hairs.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS EAT?
Roof rats are able to eat virtually anything that they encounter. This is an adaptation that has made it possible for the species to thrive even in conditions that other species would consider adverse. Nuts, seeds, fruit and berries form the foundation of the roof rat's diet. Members of the species seek out snails and slugs as meals, and they eat a variety of insects, including cockroaches. Fish, shellfish and aquatic organisms may be on the menu when a population of roof rats lives close to a body of water.
Roof rats tend to emerge at dusk to forage for food. Eating several times throughout the night is ordinary, but these animals also will gather food to take back to a cache that will sustain them through leaner times.
Residences and commercial buildings offer a smorgasbord for roof rats. These pests are adept at seeking out even the tiniest spills and the most minuscule scatterings of crumbs. Pet food, meat, crackers, bread, pasta, grains, chocolate and peanut butter are among the foods most commonly scavenged by roof rats.
WHERE DO ROOF RATS LIVE?
Roof rats are not predators, but they frequently become prey for larger animals. This makes it imperative that the creatures find a sheltered place to call home. A roof rat that is nesting outdoors will ensure that its nest is well hidden, looking for spots where the foliage is particularly overgrown and dense. Frequently, they will nest near the top of tall trees, and woodpiles are another promising option.
When roof rats nest indoors, they typically choose an elevated location. The attic or rafters of any building are a frequent choice. However, nests may be found in soffits and wall voids as well.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ROOF RATS
Unsurprisingly, roof rats are capable of causing enormous amounts of property damage. They have teeth that continue to lengthen throughout their lifespan, making it essential for the animals to constantly gnaw. When they come indoors, they will chew on everything they encounter. The damage begins on the building's exterior as the rodents look for a way to get inside. Roofing shingles, siding and more all may sustain damage as the pests look for a reliable entrance.
The damage progresses indoors as well, with roof rats chewing on the wooden frame of the building, drywall, masonry and other typical construction components. Items that are kept within the building similarly are vulnerable. Upholstery in furniture may be shredded and taken back to the nest. Similarly, towels, sheets and clothing may be shredded. The roof rats will gnaw on the wood in furniture as well as on books and papers. Of course, any food that shows evidence of roof rat activity must be thrown away.
ARE ROOF RATS AGGRESSIVE?
People living or working in the midst of a roof rat infestation in Philadelphia occasionally find themselves surprised by a roof rat sighting. If the encounter makes the animal feel threatened, it is likely to lash out with its claws and teeth. These can cause painful injuries, but the risk goes further than that. This is just one of the ways in which roof rats can transmit illness to people, making immediate medical attention imperative.
DO ROOF RATS CARRY DISEASE?
Food poisoning is probably the most frequently reported illness that is connected to roof rat infestations. This sickness comes about as a result of eating contaminated food or preparing food on surfaces or with equipment that is contaminated. Food poisoning can be a distressing ailment, but it rarely is fatal.
Anyone who makes physical contact with a roof rat, whether the animal is living or dead, is at risk for contracting a disease. Additionally, the rat's waste products can become aerosolized. When people inhale these contaminants, it can be the precursor to a serious illness.
Some of the diseases with which roof rats are associated include the plague, toxoplasmosis, rat-bite fever, trichinosis and murine typhus. Whenever people begin exhibiting unusual symptoms and a roof rat infestation is suspected, prompt medical treatment is critical.
HOW TO DETECT ROOF RATS
Signs of a roof rat presence include:
• Walls marked with grease stains • Rafters, attics and other elevated places are hosting nests • Sightings of live and dead rats are being reported • Evidence of teeth and claw marks • Indoor spaces are contaminated by rat waste products
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF RATS
To help prevent roof rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Trim any overgrown foliage • Cut lawns to a shorter height • Do not allow tree limbs to touch roofs • Keep garbage cans clean, and ensure that they have tight lids • Block any entrances that the rodents may be using • Enact stricter cleaning practices anywhere in the building where food may be found • Use metal or glass containers for all food storage
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.
