Roof rats are a unique rodent species that live in nests above ground rather than burrows underground. The species comprises capable climbers and adept hiders, which can spell trouble for homeowners. Roof rats may see attic spaces as perfect nesting sites, places to establish a colony, which will require professional rat removal in Niagara  to correct. Like other rats, roof rats can cause extensive damage, so rapid intervention and removal is a priority.

Learning About Roof Rats From Professional Rat Removal in Niagara

What Are Roof Rats and How Do They Access Your Home?

Roof rats are a relatively common species of rat. They are smaller than Norway rats and have smoother fur. The animals do not have a lot of fur, but what they do have is black. Finally, they have pointy faces with big ears.

While it is more common to find roof rats nesting in trees, wood piles, shrubs, or vegetation, the rodents can make their way into houses. Indoors, it is common to find roof rats nesting in attics, ceilings, walls, cabinets, laundry rooms, or garages.

Roof rats are excellent climbers and they naturally nest up high. The animals can use branches, power lines, or even brick to get onto your roof. Once they get onto your roof, they only need an opening of about a nickel.

Learning how to get rid of rats is about knowing how rats behave. You can prevent roof rat infestations by trimming tree limbs and removing access points.

What Are Common Signs of Roof Rat Infestations?

Professional rat removal in Niagara is the only way to deal with a rodent infestation. The early stages of an infestation can be hard to diagnose, but as the population grows, signs become more apparent.

One of the first signs of a roof rat infestation is finding hollowed-out fruit under and around fruit trees. You may also notice gnaw marks around your house’s eaves and roof.

You might hear scratching or scurrying noises coming from the attic or walls. Your pets might show signs of distress or agitation.

When you go outside, you may notice roof rats running across power lines, tree limbs, patios, or roofs. Homeowners may also see grease trails and marks around well-travelled pathways.

What Are Some Prevention Tips To Keep Roof Rats at Bay?

To prevent roof rats, you must focus on sanitation, home maintenance, and landscaping. Keeping up with yard maintenance and in-home cleaning can eliminate potential nesting or feeding sites and access points.

You can take things a step further by caulking and filling any noticeable cracks and crevices. Remember, roof rats can fit into openings roughly a quarter of an inch in diameter.

You will also want to avoid plantings and objects attracting roof rats. The rodents love heavy shrubbery, honeysuckle, wood piles, and storage boxes.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Roof Rat Infestation?

If you suspect a roof rat infestation, it is necessary to learn how to remove rats from the home. Because rats can present a health risk, you do not want to try DIY methods. DIY strategies are ineffective, costly, and risky; you should hire a humane wildlife control service instead.

Hiring Roof Rat Removal in Niagara

Like Norway rats, roof rats are relatively common. The species is smaller with black fur and do not burrow. The rodents access attic spaces from the roof; from there, they can make their way through wall cavities and infest other areas of the house. The best prevention for roof rats and other wildlife is sanitation and regular home and property maintenance. If you have a roof rat infestation or are worried you might, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to schedule rat removal in Niagara or a property assessment.