3 Top Tips for Roof Rat Control

No one wants to be awakened in the dead of night by the dreadful sounds of scratching overhead. It leaves homeowners feeling anxious, knowing that there is a critter living up above them. Oftentimes, this scratching sound at night is made by roof rats. Roof rats are rodents that make their nests in attics, crawl spaces, roofs, or cabinets of a home. They can also be called fruit rats or black rats and are typically found in warmer, humid climates, such as is common in Dallas.

About Roof Rats

Roof rats thrive on a diet of fruit and nuts, unlike other types of rodents. Like other rats, they chew and can cause extensive damage to any home. Roof rats may chew through wiring, insulation, wood, or even piping in the home that they have chosen to nest. A roof rat infestation isn’t only dangerous because of the damage to the home it can cause, but it is also unhealthy and can lead to health concerns. Rats of all types carry and spread diseases that can be transmitted to humans. They also carry fleas and ticks that can lead to pests or health concerns. If you suspect a roof rat infestation in Dallas, it is important to contact professionals as soon as possible to rid your home of this infestation quickly and efficiently. Because roof rat infestations are hard to get rid of, the best solution is to avoid an infestation in the first place by following these roof rat control tips.

Prevent Roof Rats From Entering a Dallas Home

One of the best tips to control roof rat infestations is to seal up any and all entrances to the home to keep them from getting inside. This means sealing up cracks or holes in the foundation, placing mesh vents over chimneys or any openings on the roof, and repairing any other holes along the outside of the house that could allow for rodent entrance.

Clean Up the Outside of a Dallas Home

Because roof rats require a specific diet, it is a good idea to rid the outside of your home of anything that they might find appealing. For instance, make sure garbage is picked up from around the house and garbage pails are properly closed so roof rats can’t access the food inside. Trim and clean up vegetation around the house, specifically fruit trees, should there be any on the property. Also, trim any overgrown trees that could allow roof rats access to the roof where they are likely to gain entrance into a home.

Control Humidity Levels

Warm, humid areas are desirable for roof rats in Dallas. You can limit the appeal of your house by making sure it is properly ventilated to allow for cool airflow. Additionally, running a dehumidifier can decrease humidity levels and eliminate the moisture in Dallas homes that roof rats find attractive.  

If you suspect a roof rat infestation, contact the experts at Omega Animal Removal right away. 

We will work with you to rid your Dallas home of roof rats and prevent future infestations. Contact us today to get started.