They might not be vicious predators, but roof rats can be a danger to your health and safety nonetheless. When rats infest your property, you have to constantly be on guard against property damage and the spread of disease. Dealing with roof rats can be stressful because of the threats they pose. So, just how dangerous are the roof rats in Chandler?
What Are Roof Rats?
Roof rats, also known as black rats and ship rats, are one of the most common property-infesting rats in the United States. They are expert climbers and often make their nests in the upper levels of homes and businesses, where they stockpile food. The average roof rat measures about 16 inches from tail to nose and has dark brown or blackish fur, often with a lighter-colored belly.
Roof rats can be distinguished from their Norway rat cousins in a few ways. First, roof rats are smaller in stature than Norway rats. Roof rats are typically darker in color and have noticeably longer tails than Norway rats.
Like other rats, roof rats will eat just about anything from grains to insects to pizza crust. They scavenge for food in small packs and can be found living in colonies with many members. Although roof rats have a relatively short lifespan, they can give birth to dozens of offspring in just a year, causing infestations to grow rapidly.
What Are The Dangers Of Having Roof Rats?
Like other rodents, roof rats are prone to spreading disease and causing destruction. Rats have strong incisor teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. So, they must constantly gnaw to trim their teeth down. This need to gnaw compels rats to damage structural wood, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, and even brick.
Roof rats can also spread disease. Contact with their droppings and urine can cause salmonellosis and leptospirosis. Not to mention, rats carry parasites like fleas and ticks that can in turn cause nasty diseases like bubonic plague. If cornered or picked up by hand, roof rats may bite in self-defense, transmitting rat-bite fever to their assailant.
How To Prevent Roof Rats In Chandler
Roof rats are trouble, but you can prevent them from infesting your Chandler property by following some simple rodent prevention methods.
- Seal off entrances: Roof rats are great climbers, so make sure that upper windows and vents are either closed completely or sealed with sturdy screens. Inspect your property for any cracks or openings along windows, doors, siding, and the foundation, and seal with silicone caulk.
- Use chimney caps: If you have a chimney in your home or business, make sure to seal it with a strong chimney cap to prevent roof rats from crawling in.
- Keep up with yard work: Trim hedges, mow the lawn, and remove any excess vegetation growing around your property. While they hide out in elevated spaces, lush grass and bushes on the ground are attractive to roof rats.
- Throw out the trash: Dispose of your garbage regularly. Use a metal garbage bin with a tight-fitting lid placed at least 20 feet away from your property, if possible. Rats can chew through heavy plastic.
- Clean around the house: Don’t let crumbs and spills go uncleaned. Wipe down kitchen areas after use and be sure to clean floors for any food waste.
If you’ve spotted roof rats recently or simply want to ensure that these pests don’t infest your Chandler property in the future, you can count on the experts at Green Home Pest Control to help. We use only the safest, most environmentally friendly treatments to eliminate your pest problems without sacrificing effectiveness and power. Our expert technicians can take off your roof rat problems while keeping you, your family, and our local ecosystem safe. Get in touch with us today for your free estimate.
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Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
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