Attics, basements, wall voids, and cabinets provide roof rats with hidden and covered spaces. As the pests seek food, warmth, and protection, roof rats often enter homes. Yards are generally even more at risk of infestations since they provide both shelter and vegetation. Roof rats favor vines and ivies but also live in gardens, tree orchards, and landscaped yards, as these areas supply the pests with food and nesting sites.

Diseases such as rat-bite fever, plague, leptospirosis, and typhus are known to be spread by roof rats. Simply by invading homes and yards, the pests can transmit these diseases to humans through their urine, droppings, fur, and saliva. Additionally, roof rats damage buildings by chewing and destroying wiring and tearing up insulation to use for nesting material. Stored food can also fall victim to the rodents and provide them with meals.

As the pests like vines and ivies, removing these plants minimizes the chance of roof rat infestations in yards. Sources of moisture should also be eliminated or maintained, since roof rats must live near water to survive. Furthermore, by keeping trash and food supplies properly stored and securely sealed, the pests are less likely to invade and settle in homes.

Roof rats commonly live on branches, ledges, and shelves, so properly placing traps under these locations can help with control and removal. Garages, sheds, and attics are other common sites of roof rat nests where traps can be set. However, while wooden mouse and rat traps are often used to capture roof rats, the professional wildlife removal services of Trutech can handle the problem most effectively. Our specialists are trained to trap, remove, and prevent roof rats efficiently and safely.