If you’ve noticed damage to the upper levels of your house, or have been hearing scratching sounds that come from the ceiling, or even started seeing small animal droppings in your attic, then you most likely are dealing with a common pest problem for homeowners in Georgia – roof rats.
The roof rats have become a major pest for homes in the Northeast Georgia area. Coming into our homes, the roof rats will continue to be a part of our environment while causing serious problems and lots of damage to the home, especially as we head into the winter months.
These rodents love to escape the cold weather by hiding in our homes during the winter. And in the spring, they find the attics a great place to store food. Therefore, it’s important to take all necessary steps to ensure your house is properly sealed to prevent damage to the roof and ductwork.
Read on to find out more about why and how these annoying critters keep coming into your house and how pest control services in Athens and the surrounding areas can help.
What Makes Roof Rats Come In The House?
It is definitely frightening to think that rats could be in your home, crawling right above your head. As these are wild animals that don’t belong in your home, you should know what attracts them in the first place to be able to prevent them from invading your property.
- Easy access: Roof rats don’t wait to be invited into your home. If there is a crack or a hole in your house that is larger than half an inch, the rat will be able to squeeze itself through.
- Warmth and shelter: Just like other wildlife, roof rats enter homes for the same reasons, namely food, water, and shelter. Rats need shelter, particularly during those winter days to avoid the worst of the cold. All rodents are warm-blooded animals, so it’s their natural instinct to start looking for some warm, cozy place to call home before the winter sets in.
- Food sources: Apart from shelter, food is one of the main things that can attract Northeast Georgia rodents. As roof rats aren’t picky eaters, all types of food will attract them to your home. For example, meat, vegetables, milk, as well as fur, leather, and soap, anything that’s in your garbage can is good for them.
If you have any uncovered bins without lids or unsecured food in your home, such as pet food, bird seed, or even grass seed, roof rats can easily sniff them out.
- Water source: Rats need water daily, and if they can’t get it outdoors, they will be looking for it indoors. Therefore, if you have a leaking pipe somewhere, dripping sprinkler heads, a pet water bowl kept outside, or even a birdbath, then rats will see the water source and stick around for easy hydration
- Indoor plants: Rats, and particularly roof rats, seek out fruit, therefore, indoor fruit plants and nut trees will attract them inside. Besides, rats frequently take advantage of the large, potted plants you keep in your home as a safe place to hide indoors.
How Do Roof Rats Get Into The House?
Our homes offer many inviting entryways for wildlife. Roof rats usually enter houses from the roof or from access points near overhead utility lines, which they use to travel from one place to another.
If your roof is damaged and has broken or missing shingles, this makes it easier for rats to access your home.
This wildlife is skillful at climbing trees, which makes it a common way for them to climb into the attic. Roof vents and soffits are also smart ways for these rats to enter the house. Chimneys and drainage pipes are yet another entry point for roof rats.
You can often see roof rats walking along fence tops, power lines, or telephone lines, and burrowing under house foundations.
Roof rats prefer to occupy the upper, elevated parts of buildings, which is why you typically find rats in ceilings, attics, and top floors of the house.
What Are The Main Signs Of Roof Rats In The House?
Aside from actually seeing a roof rat indoors, the most obvious sign is droppings found around your home. Their droppings typically have pointed ends.
Animal noises at night on the roof and upper floors are often a clear indicator of the presence of roof rats in the house. Therefore, if you hear scratching or scuttling sounds in your attic or ceiling, the roof rats must be scurrying about.
Other signs include greasy marks or streaks, urine, gnaw marks on wires and roof lines, or tracks on the floor as they venture down to feed or find food.
Eradicating roof rats can be a difficult and time-consuming task. For this reason, your best option is to contact your local Northeast Georgia home pest control experts for help.
American Pest Control exterminators are licensed, highly trained, and experienced to rid your home of unwanted winter guests such as roof rats. So don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us now to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Northeast Georgia.
Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.
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