Ah, autumn, is the perfect time for apple cider, cinnamon rolls, long walks in the park, and roof rats. Ah, wait... There’s never a good time to find out that you have rats in your home! As winter approaches, rodents may be trying their best to find a warm hideout. Your home might be the perfect option, if climate control keeps the space warm enough, and rats can find plenty of food in your kitchen. Don’t let these pests sneak into your house while you’re trying to enjoy all that fall has to offer. We have a guide to keep rodents out or to get them out if they’re already inside.
What Are Roof Rats?
Roof rats, also called black rats, are one of the many rodents that might find their way inside your South Carolina home this fall. They’re different than brown rats, or Norway rats, which are more commonly known. Roof rats are smaller and darker; their fur is usually a grey or black color. Roof rats are excellent climbers, hence the name. They often get inside through the roof, and sometimes hide out on roofs or in attics. They can also get inside through holes in the exterior of your home or even through vents and chimneys.
Roof Rat Dangers
There are many reasons to prevent roof rats from getting into your home. Roof rats can carry diseases such as typhus, salmonellosis, and more. These diseases can be transmitted from their droppings, urine, or from contaminated food. On top of this, rats can cause significant property damage. They gnaw on wooden structures as well as on furniture, clothing, and even wires. In some cases, rodents have been known to cause house fires. They also contaminate food and cooking surfaces.
Keeping Rats Out of Your House
Roof rats, like other rodents, are attracted to food. To prevent them, you need to clean food messes in your home, store food in airtight containers, and keep garbage in sealed bins. This applies to your yard as well. Trash should be clean and inaccessible. If you have fruit trees, clean any fallen fruit promptly to avoid attracting pests. Never leave uncovered food outside unattended.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the main attractors, you need to seal off the exterior of your house. Use chimney caps to stop roof rats from crawling inside through the chimney, and seal off any openings to your building. This will make it harder for roof rats to get inside.
If roof rats, or any other rodents, do get inside, The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. has a solution. Rats can be difficult and dangerous to get rid of. Instead of taking the risk yourself, so reach out and let the professionals here use our skills and experience to quickly and effectively clear your house of rodents.
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