First, forget the idea that rats live only in buildings that should be demolished. They can, and do, enter into well-kept homes. The roof rat, for instance, can squeeze through openings as small as a nickel. It is easy for them to find an entrance route into houses, most commonly through garages, laundry or utility rooms, pipes, or holes in siding, sheetrock, and drywall (which they chew themselves).

While called “roof” rats, these pests prefer to nest in woodpiles and trees. They spend upwards of 90% of their lives at least 4 feet above ground. When they can’t find a hospitable pile of debris, they enter homes, particularly attic spaces.

Roof rats are particularly common in Florida, which produces their favorite foods, including: lemons, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, and palm fruits. They also like figs, pomegranates, peaches, nectarines, and nuts. If you’re out of those items in your pantry, they will substitute bird seed, pet food, grains, insects, tree bark, soap, paper, lizards, and candlewax. They are certainly not picky eaters, and they adapt easily. This makes it even more important to contact an indoor/outdoor pest control service immediately.

Signs You Could Have Roof Rat Activity

What will you notice if these pests have entered your home?

  • Scratching or gnawing noises in the attic and/or walls at night. They are nocturnal.
  • Droppings (about 0.5 inches long, with pointed ends). This helps you distinguish which species of rat it is.
  • Fruit that has been hollowed out.
  • Damage to electrical wire coverings.
  • Agitated pets.
  • Rat sightings in the house, trees, or other areas of your property. They have a hairless tail which is longer than their head and body.

What Can You Do?
First, call a Brevard County pest control service as soon as possible. Roof rats breed quickly and continually. One female rat can have four to six litters a year, with five or six young per litter. There is also the risk of disease, so it is best to eradicate them completely and quickly.
Other steps you can take:

  • Trim trees that are close to your house. They should not be within six feet.
  • Remove wood debris from your yard, including leaves and fallen fruit.
  • Make sure all windows, vents, and chimneys have screens.
  • Caulk any cracks or damage immediately, especially on the exterior and near the eaves.
  • The less ground cover you have (i.e. very low-growing plants), the better.
  • Do not leave pet food outside.
  • Remove any water sources you can (fountains, pet water dishes, etc.).

Roof rats are an unwelcome guest; do not encourage them to stay. Take these steps, and call a rodent pest control specialists at Slug-A-Bug.