Roof rats are becoming a problem in many warmer cities such as Las Vegas and humid southern states. Unlike Norway rats, brown rats and sewer rats, roof rats prefer to live up high. They can be seen running across roofs, scurrying through trees and often take up residence in attics, rather than basements and crawl spaces like other types of rats. Unfortunately, once they are in your home, they can be difficult and time consuming to remove. As such, prevention is the best way to stop an infestation. If roof rats are becoming more prominent in your area, here are three steps you can take to help prevent them from making your home their home.
Trim Back Your Tree Branches
Roof rats use branches and trees to get from one spot to another. As such, it is important to always trim back your tree branches so they go nowhere. If your tree branches are overgrown and hit a fence, the ground or your roof, the rat can easily get around, which causes them to hang out in this area. From there, they may attempt to gain access to your home when it gets cool. Trimming your trees back helps to keep them out of your yard and your space.
Never Stack Wood Against Your Home
Another step you should take to help reduce the chances of roof rats infesting your home is to never stack wood against the side of your home. Roof rats will use the wood to climb on, hide in and gnaw on. Having the stack in close proximity to your house is sort of like giving them an invite. When it starts to get cold, they will look for somewhere warmed, and since your house is butted up to the wood stack, that is the first place they may look.
Remove Food Sources
Rats need food to eat. Unfortunately, many of us leave food outside without thinking twice about it. You may leave your dog or cat food outside or even install bird feeders. However, all food sources should be removed when sunsets and these nocturnal creatures come out of hiding in search of food. The food attracts them to your home and draws them in, so eliminating food helps to eliminate the target on your home.
Seal Off Cracks and Crevices
The last step you should take to minimize your risk for a roof rat infestation is to seal off all cracks and crevices on the outside of your home. While rats may look big, they can actually squeeze into small openings. If you have small holes in your siding, the rats may use this as a way in. Always seal off all cracks and crevices, including those up on the roof, to ensure these pests can't enter your home.
The best way to deal with a roof rat infestation is to stop it before it occurs. If roof rats are becoming a problem in your area, these steps can help reduce the chances of a pest getting into your home. If you are unable to complete these tasks yourself, a pest control company can assist you or offer further advice on keeping these pests out. If you notice a rat in your house, contact a pest control company to come remove the pest as quickly as possible, before they cause damage to your home or multiply.
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