Roof rats are one of the most common types of rats found throughout the southern United States. True to their name, you often encounter them on roofs and the upper areas of homes and other buildings. They can be a pain to get rid of, but with the right knowledge and the assistance of qualified professionals, you can remove them from your home quickly and safely.
In this article, we’ll outline the basics of roof rat control in Lexington. We’ll start by helping you identify roof rats in and around your home. Then, we’ll discuss the risks that these pests pose to your health and safety, as well as your property. After that, we’ll give you some practical tips for keeping these pests from getting into your home.
Finally, we’ll go over how our team of professionals at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc., can help you get rid of roof rats in your home once and for all. We’re passionate about helping our customers in any way possible, so let’s get started.
Introduction To Roof Rats: Identifying The Common Urban Pest
You commonly find roof rats in southern coastal states, including South Carolina, also called black or ship rats. Their fur is usually brown with spots of black, and their undersides are typically gray, white, or black. Their bodies are long and thin, measuring between 6 and 8 inches, and their tails are hairless and scaly, measuring between 7 and 10 inches. They weigh between 5 and 12 ounces.
Roof rats will hoard food, stashing part of what they gather in their burrows for later. Fruits and nuts are two of their favorite kinds of food, but since roof rats are omnivores, they will eat a wide variety of foods. Grains, meats, and seeds are all included in their diet. They are excellent climbers, which helps them access the upper areas of buildings. They often choose to live in these areas, but they will regularly venture out at night to forage for food. Roof rats tend to use the same pathways over and over and will often return to the same food source multiple times. They can enter a structure through a hole the size of a nickel, so it’s often difficult to keep them out.
In the next section, we’ll learn about another key element of roof rat control – the damage these pests can do to your home and health.
Roof Rat Dangers: Health Risks And Property Damage Explained
Roof rats are best known for spreading the deadly bubonic plague. You rarely see this disease today, but there are still a few cases documented every year in the United States. Roof rats carry several other diseases, including typhus, jaundice, trichinosis, salmonella, and rat-bite fever. Any food or food preparation surfaces rats touch will be contaminated. These pests also serve as hosts for fleas.
A roof rat infestation can also result in property damage, as they will chew through drywall, wood, and aluminum siding to get inside. They may also damage insulation, electrical wiring, and interior walls.
Roof Rat-Proofing Your Roof: Sealing Entry Points And Vulnerabilities
As with most pests, the best way for homeowners to deal with roof rats is to put measures in place to keep them out. Here are a few helpful roof rat prevention tips that should keep these pests away from your roof:
- Screen off chimney openings, vents, and other possible entry points.
- Inspect your roof regularly for signs of roof rat damage.
- Trim any tree branches that grow too close or hang over the roof.
- Close any gaps or cracks in the roof.
Following these simple steps will help you protect yourself and your family from the threat of roof rats. If you need help dealing with a roof rat infestation in Lexington, don’t hesitate to contact The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc.
Ready To Get Rid Of Roof Rats? Contact Our Experts Today!
Roof rats can be extremely difficult and frustrating to deal with. Luckily, you don’t have to get rid of these pests on your own. Our team at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. is here to help. Our highly trained technicians have all the tools they need for effective roof rat extermination for your home. All our pest removal solutions are safe and effective, and you can count on us to deliver punctual, customer-focused service that puts your needs first.
Call The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. today to request a free inspection.
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