Roof Rat Damage

The roof rat gets its name from its tendency to find shelter in the upper parts of buildings.

Roof rat damage.

Tracks roof rats will make paths also known as tracks or runways that identify their movements. In attics the pests tear up insulation to build their nests and chew on the casing of electrical wires and pipes. Roof rats damage homes where they live in the southern and western coastal states. The adult roof rat is about 7 10 inches long and weighs about 5 9 ounces.

From rat bites and scratches to saliva and urine rats can cause many diseases. Indoors tracks will appear as clean paths. Property damage caused by roof rats can add up quickly. Diseases roof rats spread diseases like salmonellosis through pantry foods contaminated with their droppings.

These bites or scratches can cause what is known as rat bite fever or even tetanus. To make an ideal home roof rats need food water and a cozy nesting site so clean out wood piles rake up fallen vegetation and fruit and do not leave pet food or water outside especially overnight. Once inside roof rats not only damage materials by gnawing through them but they also contaminate stored food and serve as vectors of dangerous diseases. Roof rats are also referred to as black rats or ship rats.

To prevent rats from entering your home seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter. Holes are typically 2 inches in diameter or larger and have rough edges. The roof rat has a long tail which is longer than the combined length of the head and body. You won t always see roof rats because they are nocturnal and forage for food at night.

They also find paths down to kitchens and pantries where they eat and contaminate food. Roof rats can cause extensive and costly damage from. These rats can also transmit rat bite fever through bacteria in. Inspecting roof rat.

Roof rats can be cautious. However you need to know the signs of infestation that can alert you to their presence. How to prevent a roof rat infestation. The rat zapper should be placed close to a roof rat nest or in their runways said ernie henson president and owner of stormin norman termite and pest control.

Roof rats are a health hazard being one of the oldest transmitters of diseases. If you pull the tail back over the body it will reach over its head. Chewing on electrical wires. Damaging furniture and storage boxes.

The warm weather and lush plant life attract the rodents to these regions. How serious are roof rats. Signs of an infestation of roof rats. The fur of roof rat is smooth while the fur of the norway rat is rough and shaggy.

Roof rats get ferocious and tend to bite or scratch when threatened or cornered. While roof rats can live in wooded areas yards and homes provide both food and shelter making them an attractive place to nest.