Roof rats can be a year around problem but come the fall season, they grow more bold and will attempt to invade homes and other human structures. Roof rats are great climbers and will climb up walls and trees to access buildings. For those prone to roof rat invasions, A-Tex Pest Management will share how to identify roof rats and how to control them.

Roof Rat Identification

Roof rats are black to dark brown in color. Their body length can range from 6 to 8 inches. If you include the tail, they can be around 12 to 16 inches long. These long scaly tails help provide roof rats with great balance for climbing. Roof rats can be seen climbing up trees, walls, and along narrow ledges and even wire. Roof rats are known to nest in trees or in higher places. However, roof rats will also nest in large piles of debris, or in dense vegetation. If they can, roof rats love to nest in attic spaces. Once roof rats invade the home, they can cause major damage to electrical wiring, plumbing, air ducts, and in the walls. Not only can roof rats cause major damages to the home, they can and do also spread diseases.

Maintain Landscape to Prevent Roof Rats

It is always better to take steps to control roof rats before a major invasion begins. When controlling roof rats you will want to do some major cleaning. That means you will want your property as clean as possible. Removal all yard debris and clutter. The cleaner the outside is, the less likely roof rats will invade your home. You will also want to keep the landscape in check. Overgrowth, weeds, and dense vegetation will invite roof rats. Another major step you can take is keeping the trees trimmed. Roof rats like to use tree branches to access homes and other buildings. Cut off branches that make contact with the roof.

Home Pest Sealing to Keep Roof Rats Out

Next, you will want to secure the outside of the home to help keep roof rats out of the home. The attic uses a number of different types of ventilation devices that you will want to cover with a metal mesh or wire material. You will also want to repair any roof damage. Roof rats will look for weaknesses and use them to enter the building. Additionally, make sure doors and windows are closed fully as rats can squeeze through tight spaces. Roof rats are also great swimmers and have been known to access buildings by swimming up through plumbing systems. Commercial buildings often have large drainage systems that rats will climb up and out of the drain. You may need to have covers installed over the drains.

What Attracts Roof Rats

When roof rats are present often look for reasons why. Roof rats will inhabit places that provide plenty of food, water, and shelter. It is important to discover if you may be providing roof rats with food, water and shelter. If so, then remove these needed resources. Next you will want to place traps around the home in areas the rats use as highways. For further assistance, seek out a professional pest control service.

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For help controlling roof rats or other pests around your home or commercial property, contact A-Tex Pest Management today.