The Roof Rat is becoming more wide spread across America and they have found their way here in Pennsylvania too. However, even though they’re not the most common species of rat to be found here, there are now more and more sightings of them. Roof rats go by many names such as black rats, ship rats and house rats. With the coming of spring, mating season has also arrived and for these rodents, the population can quickly explode. Stewart Termite & Pest Control would like to share a little bit more about this rodent and how you can safeguard your home from their intrusion.
Roof Rat Appearance
The roof rat has a few distinct features that help set them apart from other species of rats. They are more angular in body shape and facial features. Their noise is longer and more pointed than a Norway rat. Additionally, the roof rat has a larger pair of eyes and ears than other species of rats. The roof rat also has a long scaly tail which they use for better balance and gripping. A full grown roof rat, including their tail, can reach about 18 inches in length, with a straight, short brown or sometimes black fur.
Where Do Roof Rats Live & What Do They Eat?
Roof rats will nest in trees and on roof tops. You will often see them scurrying along electrical cables, walls, fences; and along trees onto the roofs of buildings. Roof rats will reside on ground level as well, mostly in large piles of yard debris, but mostly, they prefer to stay on higher ground. Occasionally they are also found nesting in attic spaces of homes and buildings. Like all other rodents, the roof rat will eat anything it can find. However they seem to prefer citrus fruits. They will also dig in trash cans or eat pet food. If a roof rat population is becoming more active in your area, it helps to seal off your garbage and don’t leave pet food out after your pets have been fed.
Roof Rat Exclusion & Prevention
Controlling roof rats can be difficult since they travel great distances to find food before returning to their nest. Just because you may be seeing or having problems with roof rats doesn’t always mean they are nesting nearby. However you don’t want to make your home a nesting ground either. Your first step to roof rat control is exclusion. This means keeping your yard groomed and trees and bushed trimmed. This will discourage roof rats from nesting in a highly active area. Your garbage cans should be sealed shut where rats and other rodents and pests won’t be able to chew through. Keep in mind roof rats will also feed on insects. You will want to prevent them as well. Then you will want to remove any pet food or discarded food that could be easily accessed. Those with fruit or vegetable gardens? They will invade your yard for this food source try to collect your produce often.
Professional Roof Rat Removal
After you have prevented their intrusion as best as you can, traps will need to be placed along the paths the roof rat travels. It is best to contact your local pest control company for professional assistance. Rats are one of the many pests that have adapted to living side by side in human environments and are quite good at avoiding traps and baits. Stewart Termite & Pest Control has experienced technicians with the knowledge and tools to remove rats from your home or business; and keep future rats from coming back. If you need help managing a roof rat or any other pest problem, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control today!