Have you ever found gnaw marks, torn wiring, or hollowed-out fruits in your home lately? Perhaps you have spotted grease marks, droppings, or urine stains? What about dead rats or a lingering, nasty rodent odor? Well, you might have some uninvited guests in your home; roof rats. Before these pesky intruders ruin your property and put your family’s health at risk, follow this comprehensive guide to get rid of them fast!
Keep Everything Clean
Sanitation is the first and most important step to get rid of your roof rat problem. Roof rats thrive wherever food, water, and a nesting site are accessible for them. Although they have an affinity for fruits and seeds, they will eat practically anything. If you have any leftovers or any food remains in your trash, expect them to devour it. Here are some tips on how to keep your home clean and your roof rat-free:
Seal Entry Points
Roof rats usually start invading your home by entering through gaps or holes, utility lines, and voids along your roofline. Roof rats can be a recurring problem if their point of entry remains open. To prevent these pests from invading your home, fill small holes with steel wool and caulk. For larger holes, fill them with cement, metal sheeting, or hardware cloth.
Roof rats are roof rats for a reason. As your home’s roof is the most popular entryway for these pests, remember to always check for any holes in the rafter, gables, and eaves. If there are more than enough holes for you to handle, perhaps it’s time for a roof upgrade. Experts from Point Roofing suggest that if you haven’t replaced your roof in a few years, you might need to have it updated, especially if you are trying to increase your property’s appraisal value. Nobody wants a worn-out roof or a rodent-infested home, after all.
Use Baits And Traps
One way to reduce the number of these annoying creatures in your home is to set up baits and traps. You can use peanut butter, dried fruits, and nuts as bait. Try to place these traps in places near burrows, crevices, or locations where you spotted their droppings and urine. Inspecting your property regularly for their nesting sites or regular pathways can help you select the best spot to set your traps.
If you are using snap traps, take note of these reminders:
If you plan to use glue board traps, keep these in mind:
If you opt for poison baits, here are some reminders:
After setting up your baits and traps, it is very important to dispose of rodent carcasses immediately. Never pick up rodent carcasses with your bare hands. Always make sure to wear gloves and place the carcasses in a disposable bag. Lastly, throw away both the gloves and disposable bags in a secure outdoor garbage container.
These little rascals can be a real nuisance if you’re not careful. As long as you keep your home sanitary and in check, roof rats will no longer be a problem. However, if you have already tried getting rid of them on your own to no avail, it is best to contact pest control services right away. As much as possible, act immediately, for your own health, safety, and peace of mind.
