Roof rats
Bugs are not the only type of pest that can cause problems for homeowners. There are a variety of wildlife species that can be very frustrating to deal with if they are lurking in or around your home. One common pest that homeowners deal with here in Georgia is the roof rat.
Oftentimes, when people think about a rat infestation, they often assume that they would be found in basements, kitchens, or pantries. However, certain types of rats, such as the aptly named roof rat, specialize in infiltrating attics and upper levels of homes. These rats typically exploit exterior damage to the roof or gutters of a home and use these cracks and gaps to gain entry. Once inside, they will nest in secluded parts of buildings, usually hiding in piles of debris.
Recently, there has been an uptick of roof rat activities in the suburban communities of Cherokee County. According to our wildlife specialist, Will Botts, this is most likely due to a large amount of construction and development going on in the county. While is this is very good for the local economy, this type of construction often disturbs rat nesting sites in the wild, which causes the rats to seek new accommodations. Oftentimes, this can lead them straight into neighborhoods and communities, where they will seek shelter in homes.
Roof rats consume a large variety of foods. They are skilled scavengers and will consume any type of fruits, nuts, and meats if necessary. Any excess food they might find will often be stored in their nests and will be used either as food for the winter or for their young.
Roof rats can be destructive if not dealt with. Once they are inside homes, they tend to create a mess, leaving behind damage and droppings. They can also bring disease and bacteria into any area that they live, and for this reason, homeowners should be careful if they encounter the rats. They will also damage electrical and water lines and can create a fire hazard by chewing through wires. Due to the risks that they pose, it is important to deal with the rats as soon as possible if they manage to infiltrate your home.
If you are concerned about the potential threat that roof rats could pose to your home, there are a few signs that you can look for that may indicate roof rat activity. Naturally, the most obvious sign is spotting a rat in the home, however, homeowners can also look for signs of habitation, such as droppings or grease marks that are left behind in areas of activity. The most common sign that homeowners notice are the sounds of movement late at night. Roof rats are typically nocturnal, and homeowners often hear sounds late at night caused by the rats moving around in the attic.
To keep your home free of rats. Our wildlife specialist recommends that homeowners periodically check the exterior of the home for any damage or openings that rats could exploit to enter the home. It can also be beneficial to have a licensed wildlife specialist inspect the home, as this can help to identify any vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
At Canton Termite and Pest Control, we have years of experience dealing with wildlife of all kinds. Our team is highly trained and is equipped to deal with any wildlife threat that you might face. All of this comes at an affordable price and is backed up by a customer satisfaction guarantee!
So if you are concerned about wildlife in your home, or simply have a question, call us today at 770-479-1598!
By: Tim
