Rats. The word – and the image it evokes – sends chills down the spines of people all over the world. They’re major players in horror movies, nightmares, and, unfortunately, many homes. Roof rats favor trees, woodpiles, debris, and the ceilings and roofs of buildings. If you notice signs of these uninvited visitors, how can you effectively remove them?

Pest Control Methods for Roof Rats
Dark brown or grey, roof rats can grow to 40cm (almost 16 inches) and have large ears and eyes, as well as a pointed nose. They’re excellent climbers, explaining their choice of home, and they can also squeeze through openings as small as a half-inch.

Roof rats prefer vegetables, fruits, and grains, but will eat opportunistically. They reproduce often: females can have four to six litters per year, and each litter has five or six young.

You may notice live or dead rodents. More likely, though, you will see droppings. These are about 12mm long with pointed ends. You may also notice “grease marks” along surfaces, such as baseboards, walls, or floors. The rats leave a trail of oil, excreted from their fur, behind.

While you can remove certain pests easily from your home, rats tend to be a different story. They are tenacious, and it is recommended that you call a Brevard County pest control service immediately. Other steps you can take include:

  • Trimming all vegetation. Remember, roof rats like trees and woodpiles. Eliminating these may help alleviate the problem as they search for more hospitable environments.
  • If you have fruit or nut trees, harvest all food immediately.
  • Store food and pet food in sealable plastic containers.
  • Make sure garbage is tightly covered.
  • Place rat traps in strategic locations (e.g. your attic, laundry room, or garden shed). Place a small amount of peanut butter on the traps.

This ensures the rat will have to work for the peanut butter, thus spring the traps.
Because roof rats can carry disease, it is important to remove them immediately. If you need help, do not hesitate to call a professional pest control service.