How to Get Rid of Roof Rats: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to keep a pesky roof rat situation at bay
It’s always unsettling to hear scurrying above your head, and if it sounds like many small animals, chances are it’s a roof rat infestation. These pests can trigger allergic reactions, damage your property, and even spread disease, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are a few DIY strategies to try before bringing in a pro. Here’s how to get rid of roof rats and prevent them from coming back.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources
One of the most effective ways to get rid of roof rats is to eliminate food and water sources throughout your home. Store food in sealed plastic or metal containers and clean up messes as soon as they happen. Also, avoid leaving pet food exposed overnight; instead, store it securely in sealed containers. Plumbing leaks are known to attract rats (they need a small but steady amount of water to survive), so don’t delay getting them fixed.
Employ Baited Traps
Similar to how to get rid of mice, baited traps are a popular and effective way to get rid of roof rats. Traditional snap traps are one of the most humane methods, as they typically kill the rodent instantly. Glue traps, while seemingly less brutal, actually cause the animal to suffer more, especially when they’re not checked regularly. Electronic traps, which kill rats via a high-voltage shock, are another humane option to consider.
Ultrasonic Deterrent Devices
Ultrasonic deterrents are devices that produce ultrasonic sound waves that repel rodents. While these high-frequency sounds are highly unpleasant to rodents, they’re inaudible to humans and most other animals. These can also serve as a preventative measure to ensure roof rats won’t reinfest your home after you’ve successfully eliminated them.
Block Off Entry Points
Where there are roof rats, there’s a way that they got in. They are able to squeeze in holes and gaps that are as small as half an inch in width. Thoroughly inspect your home for any openings, no matter their size, and use appropriate materials such as caulk or mesh to seal them off, effectively preventing rat entry. Also, ensure that pipes and drains have secure coverings in place.
How to Prevent Future Roof Rat Infestations
Invest in the cost of repairing your roof to eliminate potential points of entry.
Regularly inspect your home and seal off any gaps, cracks, or holes where rodents can enter.
Keep vines, shrubbery, and tree branches trimmed so they do not come into contact with your home. (Otherwise, rats will climb them in order to reach your roof.)
Maintain a clean home that’s free of spills, crumbs, and other food messes.
Use natural scent deterrents such as mothballs, garlic, and cotton pads soaked in peppermint, clove, or tea tree essential oils.
What Damage Can Roof Rats Cause?
Aside from making your skin crawl, a roof rat infestation can do major damage to your home over time. Roof rats, also known as black rats or ship rats, can infiltrate your home through small openings such as vents, pipes, or damaged roofing. Once inside, they can wreak havoc by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and even wooden structures. Beyond structural damage, they are also potential disease carriers, which can pose a serious health risk to your family and pets.
Signs of a Roof Rat Infestation
Detecting the presence of roof rats early is crucial for getting rid of rats. Look out for dark, pellet-like droppings in and around your home, as well as evidence of gnaw marks on wires, wood, or walls. Roaming roof rats might also leave oily rub marks along their frequently traveled routes. Additionally, keep an eye out for nests in secluded areas like attics or voids within walls.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While DIY methods can potentially eliminate roof rats, they may not be totally effective for a severe infestation. If you’ve tried everything and can’t get rid of roof rats, or if you want to expedite the process, a local rodent exterminator offers the quickest and most efficient methods to keep them out for good.
Cost to Get Rid of Roof Rats
The average rat exterminator cost is typically between $200 and $600. However, costs can vary based on your location and the extent of the infestation. For the most accurate estimate, get in touch with a professional exterminator in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roof rats get their name because they’re most often found in attics or the area around the attic. They often use tree limbs that hang over a roof to get into a home’s attic and look for shelter. Once inside, they not only like the attic space but can also burrow themselves into soffits or small holes in the ceiling and build their nest.
Roof rats are relatively small rodents that typically measure around six to eight inches in length (excluding their long, scaly tails that are often longer than their bodies). They have sleek black or brown fur, pointed snouts, and large ears. In general, they are typically smaller and darker in color than common brown rats.
Roof rats can carry a variety of pathogens and parasites, including salmonellosis (food contamination), leptospirosis, trichinosis, rat-bite fever, murine typhus, plague, and toxoplasmosis. Diseases can be spread via urine, droppings, or saliva. To prevent transmission, it’s essential to promptly address a roof rat infestation and avoid direct contact with the animals where possible.
It’s an age-old and terrifying question: Can rats come through the toilet? The answer, unfortunately, is yes; however, it’s extremely rare. In the very unlikely case that this happens, it’s usually the result of rats from the sewer making their way into home plumbing pipes and up into the toilet.