Roof rat infestations can be difficult to detect, but there are some telltale signs to look for. If you suspect that you may have a roof rat problem, it is important to take action as quickly as possible to prevent the infestation from worsening.
Signs to look out for
One of the most obvious signs of a roof rat infestation is the presence of droppings. Roof rat droppings are small and dark, and can be found in areas where the rats are active, such as in attics, crawl spaces, and along walls. If you see droppings in these areas, it is a strong indication that you have a roof rat infestation.
Another sign of a roof rat infestation is gnaw marks. Roof rats are known to chew on a variety of materials, including wood, insulation, and electrical wiring. If you see chew marks on these materials, it is a good indication that roof rats are present.
In addition to droppings and gnaw marks, you may also notice other signs of roof rat activity. These rodents are nocturnal, so you may hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from walls or ceilings at night. You may also see roof rats moving around your property, particularly at dusk and dawn.
Control
Roof rat infestations only get worse over time, with a single female rat being able to give birth to over 60 rats in a single year.. A professional pest control company can help to properly identify and eradicate the infestation, and can also provide advice on how to prevent roof rats from returning in the future.
In terms of control, a professional team will first perform an inspection to gather crucial data about the infestation. They will then move onto control using the information gathered through the inspection. For example, knowing the location of the rats can help with trap or poison placement, and knowing the size of the infestation will inform which is the best method to use for the job. For smaller infestations, the team will likely go with traps, and for larger rat populations, poisons will be used. Once the infestation is completely removed, the team will help with the clean up and may offer to install preventive measures to stop future infestations.
If you have any questions about the signs you need to keep an eye out for during rat infestations, or if you have an infestation in your home, contact us today.
