Monmouth County home and business owners tend to relax their pest remediation efforts when insects and creatures are seemingly inactive. This is the wrong move. While you may not see any critters running about, they are always on the go. Some can even get indoors and flourish without being caught. Several species are hard to control after an invasion, so it’s crucial never to slacken on deterrence. Rats are undoubtedly tough to rein in.
Roof rats, in particular, are damaging to structures and other personal items. In addition, they carry and pass on harmful germs. Getting an understanding of how they function is essential to beat them successfully. Learn more about these rapid procreators and how Alliance Pest Services can help you fight them.
How Do Roof Rats Behave? What Are the Risks?
Roof rats are sizable rodents, being 15 inches long or more. The same goes for their scaly tails. Black or brown hairs are all over their bodies; it’s unkempt and dense. Pointed noses and large eyes and ears are part of what differentiates them from similar rodents. They are sometimes called house, black, or tree climbing rats.
As noted by one of their alternate names, roof rats are talented climbers. They can walk across tree branches, power lines, and such to get onto housetops and buildings. To get inside, they wiggle through holes in foundations, vents, or shingles. If it’s ½ of an inch around or more, the vermin can get past it. Their sharp teeth will assist them. Naturally, roof rats like heights, but they also gravitate to damp and dark spaces. You’ll probably find them in rafters, attics, and garages.
Significant infestation signs are:
- Finding fecal droppings
- Noticing rub marks on oily walls
- Discovering footprints
- Hearing squeaking and scratching noises from inside walls
- Seeing these nocturnal rodents in broad daylight
The tainting of food and surfaces is just one consequence of roof rats being present. Before intruding upon your domicile or establishment, these animals are in gross environments. Germs from streets, gutters, dumpsters, and adjacent areas will cover them. Organically, microbes and parasites reside in their fur. Their feces, urine, and saliva have bacteria as well. Three conditions the pests are known for distributing are hantavirus, salmonella, and tularemia. More conditions are also possible. Roof rats can also be responsible for interior destruction and electrical fires, as they’ll bite on cables, pipes, and walls to file their teeth. They are liable to gnaw on anything, really.
Are There Ways To Prevent Roof Rats?
It’s necessary to reiterate that rodents are challenging to manage. You have to be consistent with preventative measures. Do the following to discourage roof rats:
- Seal openings in vents, utility lines, rooflines, doors, windows, and foundations. Use steel wool versus rubber or plastic, which can be chewed easily.
- Make sure the chimney has a cap.
- Have moisture complications and leaks fixed soon.
- Get rid of all clutter.
- Use airtight containers for food and garbage storage.
- Remove debris from the lawn.
- Trim the grass and the greenery on a routine basis.
- Distance flowers and plants from the property by two feet.
- Wash out the gutters regularly.
How Will Alliance Pest Services Handle Roof Rats?
If you purchase traps or any other products for rats, you’ll be disappointed. These items have to be strategically placed, and vermin hide in spots that are difficult to access. Moreover, shelf goods can be toxic or dangerous. You can’t do this job alone. Rely on us at Alliance Pest Services. Our expert technicians will utilize industrial-grade repair and exclusion tools, snap traps, glue boards, mechanical devices, bait stations, and then some. Each of our home pest control solutions is safe. Call today and get a free quote!