Typically living in colonies, roof rats prefer to nest in the upper parts of buildings, such as attics and rafters. They can also be found under, in and around structures, as well as in piles of wood or debris. When looking for indoor shelter, roof rats will enter structures through any access point larger than a nickel.
Roof rats secured their place in history by spreading the highly dangerous bubonic plague. Though transmission is rare today, there are still a handful of cases in the U.S. each year. Roof rats can also carry fleas and spread diseases such as typhus via fleas, infectious jaundice via urine in water or food, rat-bite fever via bites, trichinosis via under cooked pork and salmonellosis via droppings. Additionally, these rodents can cause food poisoning by contaminating food or food preparation surfaces.
To prevent a roof rat infestation, seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter with silicone caulk and be sure that all windows and vents are screened. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the building and cut back limbs overhanging the roof. Roof rats are drawn to any accessible food sources, so clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard and keep garbage in tightly covered receptacles.If you suspect a roof rat infestation in your home, contact us to conduct a free inspection and work with you to develop a roof rat treatment plan.