Roof rats detest activity or change and have a habit of nesting in places where they won’t be disturbed. Crawl spaces, quiet attics, ductwork, and even the void between walls make perfect nesting locations. They need small gaps in the eaves, doorways, or roofs to enter your home. Some expert climbers might enter via exhaust fans, drainage pipes, or ventilation.
There are multiple warning signs that you might have rats, mice (or other rodents, including squirrels) in your house or home:
- Musky odor
- Chewed plastic containers, wood molding, and paper
- Squeaking or scratching sounds in the ceiling or walls
- Upset cats or dogs (they can perceive the smell of rodents before humans do).
- Holes in the surrounding soffits or fascia at the roof line or in the roof
- Tiny black droppings on the floor, especially in the kitchen or other areas where food may be stored
- Tracks or Smears in dusty areas
- It’s always best to take action if you suspect rat invasion in your home before they cause more damage or reproduce.
Controlling Rats On Your Own
There are two steps to rat control: Prevention and eradication.
The first is the best fix. Ensure rats aren’t attracted to your home and yard in the first place. Take away brush and wood piles, and mow grass and weeds frequently. Do not leave pet food outside; clean up spilled food from chicken coops or bird feeders.
Clear away acorns, acorn squash, and other potential food sources serving as mice attractants in your yard.
Next, check for access points to your home. Inspect your roof, siding, and any potential crawl spaces under and around the house. If they cannot gain accessible entrance inside your home, they’d most likely try elsewhere.
If you lose guard and rats get into your home, you can trap them and relocate them with live t-r-a-p-s. These are safe and humane options. Avoid using P-O-I-S-O-N, as other animals may get into it.
We also discourage sticky and snap deterrents where possible, as both can cause harm to rats and is not humane.
