Roof rat infestations can happen for a variety of reasons. These agile climbers are known to nest in high places, such as trees, roofs, and attics, and can easily gain access to homes and buildings through gaps and holes in walls and foundations. In addition, roof rats are drawn to clutter, so a property that is cluttered or overgrown with vegetation can provide the perfect habitat for these pests.
One of the main reasons why roof rat infestations happen is a lack of prevention and maintenance. If a property is not properly sealed and maintained, roof rats can easily gain access and begin to nest. This is especially common in older buildings or homes that may have cracks, holes, or other entry points that have not been sealed.
Another reason for roof rat infestations is a readily available food source. Roof rats are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and even garbage. If a property has accessible trash cans or outdoor compost bins, it can attract roof rats and provide them with a constant food source.
Climate can also play a role in roof rat infestations. These pests are more common in warm, coastal areas where they can thrive in the mild climate. In addition, rainy or wet weather can drive roof rats indoors in search of shelter, increasing the likelihood of an infestation.
Finally, a lack of awareness and information can contribute to roof rat infestations. Many people may not realize the risks and dangers associated with roof rats, or may not know how to properly prevent or address an infestation.
Once an infestation is underway, it can be very hard to remove these rats because of their rapid reproductive capacity, and if a control effort is not fully completed, the roof rats will simply repopulate their nests and continue their infestation.
This is why it’s important to work with a pest control professional whenever you have to deal with roof rats. A pro will identify the location of the nests, the most commonly used areas by the rats, and the size of the infestation. All of this information can then be used to guide the actual control process.
If the infestation is large, the pro will use poisons to get it under control. For smaller infestations, traps can be used, and traps come with the advantage that there is minimal cleanup involved. When using poisons, there is no telling where the rats will die, and this can make cleaning up much more time consuming.
For more information on how roof rat infestations start and how they are controlled, or if you have a roof rat infestation in your home, contact us today.
