
Ah, the weekend. You’re enjoying a quiet evening at home when suddenly you hear a scurrying noise above you. Your heart sinks as you realize you might have unwelcome guests in your attic.
If you’re living in Brevard County, FL, there’s a good chance these intruders are roof rats. Florida’s warm climate makes it a hotspot for these pesky rodents, who can breed year-round here and feed on fruit trees, bird seed, and even garbage.
Known for their climbing abilities, these pests can invade homes, chew through wires, and cause significant damage, not to mention the health risks they pose.
This post will equip you with everything you need to know about dealing with Florida roof rats – what they are, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to keep them out of your home.
What Are Roof Rats?
Roof rats, also known as black rats or ship rats, are skilled climbers and notorious invaders of homes in coastal areas.
Unlike their ground-dwelling cousins, these rodents prefer high places. They love attics, rafters, and roof spaces, making them especially problematic for homeowners in Brevard County.
Roof rats are sleek and slender, typically measuring about 13-18 inches long, including their tail. They have large ears, a pointed nose, and a glossy black or dark brown coat. These features make them quite distinct from other types of rats. They also tend to be a bit smaller and sleeker than the Norway rat.
Roof rats are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active during the night. They have excellent climbing skills and can easily scale walls, trees, and wires to gain access to your home. They are also omnivores but prefer fruits, vegetables, and grains. Once inside, they can wreak havoc, gnawing on electrical wires, wood, and insulation to satisfy their incessant need to chew.
Perhaps the biggest problem with Florida roof rats is that a single pair can produce up to 40 offspring in a year. That’s four to six litters, each consisting of about six to twelve pups. This rapid reproduction rate means that even a small infestation can quickly become a significant problem.
Telling Roof Rats from Other Rodents
While roof rats are slender with large ears and a pointed nose, Norway rats are stocky with smaller ears and a blunt nose. House mice, on the other hand, are much smaller, usually only about five to seven inches long, including their tail.
Roof rat droppings are about half an inch long with pointed ends, whereas Norway rat droppings are larger and blunt. House mouse droppings are tiny, about 1/4 inch long, and also have pointed ends.
Roof rats prefer high locations like attics and roof spaces, whereas Norway rats are burrowers and prefer lower levels like basements. House mice can nest anywhere but are often found in kitchen cupboards and under appliances.
How to Prevent Florida Roof Rats
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some effective strategies to keep roof rats at bay.
Seal Entry Points
Roof rats can enter through very small openings, so it’s crucial to seal any gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior. Pay special attention to areas where cables, pipes, or wires enter your home. Use materials like steel wool, mesh, or caulk to block these entry points.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Roof rats often use trees and shrubs as ladders to gain access to your roof. Keep tree branches trimmed at least three feet away from your house. Remove any ivy or dense vegetation growing near your home.
Eliminate Food Sources
Make sure to store food in airtight containers and clean up any spills immediately. Garbage bins should have tight-fitting lids. If you have fruit trees, regularly pick up fallen fruit, as this can attract roof rats.
Maintain Cleanliness
A clean yard and home are less inviting to roof rats. Regularly clean up debris, piles of wood, and other materials where rats might nest. Inside your home, keep kitchen counters clean, sweep floors frequently, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
How to Deal with Florida Roof Rats
If prevention fails and you find yourself dealing with a roof rat infestation, here’s what you need to do:
- Identify Signs of Infestation: Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and greasy rub marks along walls and beams. You might also hear scratching or scurrying noises at night. Finding nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric is another sign of an infestation.
- Set Traps: Traps are an effective way to deal with roof rats. Snap traps, live traps, and glue boards can all be used. Place traps in areas where you’ve noticed rat activity, such as along walls, in the attic, or near food sources. Use bait like peanut butter, dried fruit, or nuts to attract them.
- Use Rodenticides with Caution: Rodenticides, or rat poisons, can be effective but should be used with caution, especially if you have pets or children. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider using tamper-resistant bait stations to minimize risks.
- Call Professional Pest Control: If the infestation is severe or you’re uncomfortable dealing with it yourself, it’s time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts like our team at Orange Pest Control have the knowledge, experience, and tools to effectively eliminate a roof rat problem and prevent future infestations.
Remember, roof rats can carry diseases and parasites that pose health risks to you and your family. If you’re concerned about potential health hazards, professional pest control can provide a safer, more effective solution.
No Need for Rat-tical Solutions: Call Orange Pest Control
Dealing with Florida roof rats is no walk in the park. These pesky critters can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. But with the right knowledge and strategies, you can keep them at bay and maintain a rat-free home.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect a roof rat infestation, take action now. For the best results, consider reaching out to Orange Pest Control in Brevard County, FL. Our team of experts is ready to help you reclaim your home from these unwelcome guests.
Ready to make your home rat-free? Give us a call today and take the first step towards a safer, cleaner home.