What are Roof Rats?

One of the types of rats you could expierence in your life time is called a roof rat. They will find shelter in your home, most likely near your roof like their name implies. After they make a home in your home, they have the ability to spread disease and damage your home. 

What are Roof Rats? 

Roof rats are usually found in the southern part of the united states. They are small that can be a variety of colors including white, black, brown, or grey. They can even be a mix of colors. They are usually around 7 inches in length and they have large ears. They usually do not have a long life span but can reproduce rapidly. Roof rats are usually nocturnal animals. They usually travel in groups when they go looking for food. They like to live in hidden and sheltered places like attics, bushes, and piles of debris. 

Diet

Roof rats are omnivores and they prefer to eat in well hidden places. Roof rats typically prefer seeds, berries, nuts, and fruits. They also eat slugs, snails, cockroaches, and other insects. They have the ability to eat fish and shellfish, which they will eat if they are near bodies of water. Additionally, they like to store as much food as possible.

Do You Have an Infestation? 

There are several indicators that you could possibly have an infestation. Some signs of roof rats include: 

• Rat Droppings 
• Noises in the Walls 
• Indicators that food was eaten such as small bite marks 
• Seeing rats dead or alive 
• Bite marks around your home

Fixing an Infestation

Rat infestations can cause many problems. However, there are many ways that can help you fix the problems and the infestations themselves. 
For instance, if you have any holes or cracks then it is possibly to seal them with silicone caulk. Keeping trees and tree limbs can also help stop invasions from above. Having screened in doors and windows can help stop rats from entering your home. Other things you can do to help stop infestations is making sure food is sealed properly and your home is clean. 
​
If the pest problem persists then it is always a good idea to call pest control to help you deal with the infestation.