When strange sounds emanate from attics and rafters in Warminster, it is a warning sign that roof rats are present. These harmful pests not only cause terrible structural damage but also spread serious illnesses. Accordingly, it is never wise to wait to call an exterminator when rodents are present.
How do roof rats get indoors? It turns out that it is not complicated, especially when people neglect to repair damage. Roof rats like to occupy elevated spaces. Finding them in the upper branches of trees is common, and if those branches happen to overhang a building's roof, this is so much the better for these rodents.
Roof rats prefer to live with people whenever possible. Man-made buildings provide excellent shelter from the elements and plenty of hiding places from predators. At the same time, roof rats make the most of all food sources, which may include a tiny puddle of crumbs or an entire bag of rice. When people do not clean up messes when they occur and do not use pest-proof food storage, they make it easy for roof rats to make themselves at home.
Buildings with vulnerabilities are not the only places in which roof rats may nest. A building that is surrounded by clutter offers a multitude of suitable places in which to hide and nest. Similarly, overgrown landscaping with lots of heavy, dense foliage can provide needed shelter as well as food. When roof rats live close to buildings, it is only a matter of time before they look for ways to get indoors.
Having roof rats living close to or inside commercial and residential buildings is dangerous. Property owners are encouraged to contact a licensed pest management professional at the first sign of roof rat problems.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS LOOK LIKE?
Most people have difficulty identifying roof rats because these rodents share many characteristics with Norway rats, which are another common pest in the region. Roof rats have improved agility and are sleek and slender when compared with the rough and bulky Norway rat. Still, it typically is necessary to ask a professional to accurately identify between the species.
The body of a full-grown roof rat is approximately eight inches long with the tail measuring a similar length. With oversized eyes and ears, these animals are well-adapted to sense danger and find food. Soft black or dark brown fur covers the body, but the tail is covered in scales.
WHAT DO ROOF RATS EAT?
Wherever fruit and nuts are grown, roof rats are feared. This is because these pests have enormous appetites for these delicacies. Even residential property owners may worry about their fruit trees or their garden plots of produce when roof rats are near.
Seeds are a popular food for these rodents as well, and they consume a wide variety of insects. Eating slugs, snails and cockroaches, roof rats do a bit of natural pest control. When living close to bodies of water like ponds, lakes and rivers, roof rats are known to dine upon a variety of fish and shellfish.
Clearly, roof rats are not choosy about what they eat. This means that when they live in man-made structures, they may consume almost anything. From dog food to peanut butter, any edible items that are not stored in pest-proof containers will be eaten. Rice, pasta, bread, meat, produce, chocolate and many other foods that are intended for people will be eaten by roof rats.
WHERE DO ROOF RATS LIVE?
Summer is a good season for roof rats to live outdoors because of the mild temperatures and abundance of available food. Still, some members of the species will choose to live indoors instead. Typical outdoor nests are located in tall trees, but indoor nests may be placed in attics, rafters, eaves and wall voids. Roof rats are exceptionally good climbers, so it is no problem for them to get into spots that seem remote and inaccessible to people.
If these pests cannot get into the attic or find that more elevated parts of the building are already occupied by other roof rats, they will nest in other locations. Accordingly, it is possible to discover rodents in storage cartons, basements, warehouses and other rooms that are cluttered and rarely disturbed.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ROOF RATS
Extensive damage to structures can result from roof rat infestations in Warminster. The pests may gain access to the building through a variety of means, including through vents, damaged roofing or the openings in exterior walls through which utility lines and plumbing enter the structure. Curious rodents may expand openings in the building using their teeth and claws. This allows the elements as well as other pests to get indoors.
Thanks to their sharp, strong claws and teeth, roof rats cause damage wherever they go. They gnaw on wooden building frames, furniture, drywall and anything else that they encounter. Shredding insulation, clothing, linens and other textiles is common. Many of these materials will be collected to line the rat's nest.
Roof rats are indiscriminate about the things on which they chew. Wiring and electrical cords may suffer from claws and teeth, resulting in unexpected outages and even structure fires. If people want to protect themselves and their property, then it is essential that an exterminator be brought in as soon as possible.
ARE ROOF RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Although they tend to be more active at night and congregate in rooms where people do not frequently go, roof rats do sometimes have shocking encounters with people. The rat's first instinct is to run, but if no escape route is available, the animal will defend itself. Using its teeth and claws, the roof rat can inflict serious wounds on people. Additionally, people who are attacked by roof rats need to worry about being infected with one of the many diseases that these rodents commonly carry.
DO ROOF RATS CARRY DISEASE?
Throughout history, roof rats have been responsible for spreading a wide array of dangerous illnesses. The bubonic plague is perhaps the most well-known of these, but this is a rare occurrence in the modern era. Today's roof rats are more likely to spread typhus via the fleas that they carry or infectious jaundice, which can be spread through roof rat urine in food and water.
Rat-bite fever is transmitted by the pest's bite while the rat's droppings may contain salmonellosis, which is responsible for many cases of food poisoning.
HOW TO DETECT ROOF RATS
Signs of a roof rat infestation include:
• Visual sightings of rodents • Unusual behavior in pets • Rat feces found indoors or elsewhere on the grounds • People hear rustling and squeaking behind walls • Dusty surfaces show markings from tiny feet and long tails
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF RATS
To help prevent roof rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Keep foliage in landscaping trimmed and under control • Prevent tree branches from overhanging roofs • Eliminate yard debris piles • Set lawn mowers to a lower setting • Regularly clean garbage cans • Choose garbage cans that have tight-fitting lids • Opt for pest-proof food storage practices • Clean all kitchen surfaces more frequently • Make food for pets available only during meals • Refrain from leaving dirty dishes on the counter or in the sink • Block entrance points in the building's exterior • Eliminate clutter to minimize the number of hiding places
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.
