Roof rats are agile rodents that commonly nest in elevated areas. Their climbing ability can make homes vulnerable to unwanted entry, especially when access points lead to attics or garages. Once inside, these nuisance pests can create an ongoing problem. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding how they enter can help you know when it’s time to call in the experts.
How Do Roof Rats Get into Your House?
Unlike other rodents, roof rats prefer to remain above ground, choosing higher elevations instead of traditional dens and nests. They’re especially good at climbing, which helps them get in attics and roofs. Roof rats are nocturnal, meaning they’ll usually sneak onto properties at night. During the day, they may hide out inside soffits, gutters and gable vents.
Some of the most common entry points for roof rats include vents, damaged screens or gaps around cables that run into your property. Their agility allows them to squeeze into gaps as small as a quarter, making it incredibly easy for them to crawl inside.
5 Common Signs of Roof Rats
Roof rats can leave several clues behind as they move through a home and establish their nest. Some of the most common signs of roof rats include:
Droppings
Roof rat droppings are small, spindle-shaped and often found in attics, crawlspaces and food storage areas.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents’ teeth are always growing, so roof rats will constantly chew on wires, wood and plastic to dull them.
Grease Marks
Roof rats have oils in their fur that will leave greasy stains when they brush up against walls and rafters.
Noises
You may hear scratching or squeaking sounds from your walls, ceiling or attic, especially around dawn or dusk.
Nesting Activity
Roof rats will scavenge for materials to build their nest. Look for shredded piles of paper, fabric or insulation.
Professional Rat Removal with Animal Wildlife Trappers
Trying to handle roof rat removal on your own often causes more problems than it solves. While you may catch a single rat, it’s hard to remove all of the rodents living within or around your property. Without addressing the full infestation, rat activity can continue. Instead, professional rat removal provides a dependable solution when roof rats have made themselves at home on your property.
Rather than relying on DIY rat trapping methods, turn to the effective, safe and affordable rat removal services provided by the rat removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers. Our licensed professionals are trained to identify and remove nuisance roof rats and keep them from returning. To schedule an appointment and receive a free roof rat removal estimate, call us today at 352-267-0546.