Rats are a common problem stretching over the United States. In Southern California Roof rats and Norway rats are frequent visitors to homes and businesses. Rodents are known for spreading germs, bacteria, and diseases and not only are they a major health concern, but they are nasty vermin that destroy structures, utility lines, and property. Rats are fairly elusive and most can catch a glance in their peripherals. The challenge is getting rid of these rats once they move into the building. Today, we at Animal Pest Management would like to elaborate on roof rats.
What Do Roof Rats Look Like?
A roof rat’s tail is 6”-8” long and the roof rat’s bottom is and additional 6 to 8 inches long. The roof rat weighs in anywhere between 5 and 12 ounces. Roof rats are commonly a blend of black and brown, several variations of whites, gray, and blacks while the fur is soft and smooth to the touch. Though their fur covers their body, it is scarce around the ears and have pointy muzzles and large eyes.
How Do Roof Rats Get in Homes?
Roof rats travel along power lines and rooftops and get their with incredible talents to climb and agility, which is why they are so named roof rats. When a roof rat gets into your home or business, the most likely route is due to some kind of roof damage. Once inside, the roof rats will occupy the attic spaces that are above the ceilings, just above the cabinets, and behind the walls. When these rats are living outdoors, roof rats are generally nesting above the ground in areas such as dense vegetation and trees.
Where Do Roof Rats Live?
As they prefer the warm temperatures, roof rats are concentrated in southern states, especially around seaports, but are found in nearly anywhere the United States. More often than not, the roof rats usually will creep inside when food and water is scarce and when they are evading predators and harsh weather. Being highly adaptable, roof rats are capable of thriving outside just as well as they can inside. Infestations get out of control in a short duration of time because they are able to reproduce quickly, which is why removing them at first sight is crucial.
Roof Rat Prevention
To reduce the chances of getting roof rats, follow the following guidelines:
– Keep trees and bushes well maintained by trimming and pruning them regularly and avoid letting them encroach on the structure.
– Ensure the structure is sound by repairing any damage and covering the ventilation openings with the approved mesh coverings. Replace loose or missing roof shingles and install a chimney cap where applicable.
– Transfer all human and pet food into seal-able containers and practice prompt sanitation cleanup after preparing and eating food.
– Repair leaky faucets and pipes in addition to removing unnecessary standing water.
Rodent Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
If you suspect roof rats are invading your home or business, call in the experts of Animal Pest Management in Southern California and let our specialists remedy the problem as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary health risks and property damage.
