What do Halloween and hurricane seasons have in common, besides being really scary? Rats! These rodents, often associated with haunted houses and evil lairs, are also a consequence of hurricane season. With torrential rains and flooding, rats look to move to higher ground (a.k.a. your roof).
So, we can all agree that the idea of roof rats is gross and disturbing, but do they actually cause any damage? Yes, they absolutely do! Roof rats chew through your roof, creating holes, and are also known for chewing through insulation and wires, which can cause fires. Luckily, as your local source for roofing services in Central Florida, we know a thing or two about roof rats and how to deal with them.
Prevention
The best thing to do is to keep roof rats away in the first place. Remember that rats are looking for a warm, dry, cozy nesting spot with access to food and water. To help make sure that your home doesn’t fit the bill, here are a few things you can do:
- Seal up any holes or cracks in your roof that are larger than a quarter
- Clean out wood piles, rake up fallen leaves and don’t leave fruits and vegetables outside on the ground
- Don’t leave pet food outside, especially overnight
- Be sure to store any bulk pet food in sealed plastic containers
- Make sure that your garbage cans are secure
- Seal any openings around windows and doors
- Use mesh to cover sewer pipes, air vents and grates
Identify
While prevention is your best option, it is not always a guarantee that these pesky rodents won’t find their way in. Rats are known for being able to chew through wood, plastic, aluminum siding and even soft metals if they really want to get in. So how do you identify if you have a roof rat problem? Here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
- Listen at night for the sounds of running, digging or scratching inside walls, garages, attics and chimneys
- Be on the lookout for gnaw marks on your siding or even the trees in your yard
- Hollowed out fruits and gnawed vegetables can be another sign that rodents are present
- Watch for capsule-shaped droppings, about ¼ to ½ inch in length
Repel
If you discover that it’s too late and you already have a roof rat problem, don’t panic. There are still steps you can take to get rid of the pesky critters:
- Bait and live traps are a good place to start, especially if there are perhaps only a few unwanted guests in your home
- For infestations, be sure to call in a professional as early as possible
If you are looking to repair your roof to prevent a problem with rats, Winter Springs Roofing & Repair can help. As your local source for roofing services in Central Florida, we have the knowledge and skills to make sure that your roof is rodent-proof this season. Just call us today to learn more about our services!