Roof rats are a widely distributed rodent that commonly invades man made structures. A little smaller compared to what most people call a “sewer rat”, roof rats are excellent climbers and many times called attic rats or tree rats. They depend on seed, nuts and plants in the wild but if you have a vegetable garden, a pet or a bird feeder, you could very well develop a roof rat problem.

Because roof rats are excellent climbers and have lots of energy, they can cover up to an acre daily as they search for food. If they find a good source of food like a bird feeder or a pet food dish that’s left with food throughout the day, chances are high they’ll try to nest close by. And if they start nesting alongside your home, it’s just a matter of time before they find their way inside.

If you suspect roof rats are active in or around your home, it’s suggested that you attempt to reduce their population as soon as possible. Common methods of controlling rat infestations is the use of live and kill traps.

The best live traps include cages like the LT5518RD baited with some PECAN PASTE. Multiple catch live traps are also effective like the LT5530RD REPEATER. Once caught you can either destroy or relocate the captured roof rat as desired.

Kill traps are also commonly used for roof rats. Popular models include the EXPANDED TRIGGER RAT TRAP, the T-REX RAT TRAP and the RAT ZAPPER ULTRA.

Glueboards are still very much employed including the LARGE PAPER GLUEBOARD and the LARGE PLASTIC GLUE BOARD. The plastic design is better to use in damp or moist areas.

Rat bait like EATONS AWBB or TOP GUN BAIT BLOCKS can be deployed in TAMPERPROOF RAT BAIT STATIONS. Just don’t use them if you suspect the rats are nesting in your home. There is always the chance of them dying someplace inaccessible which can cause huge odor issues. If you have this happen, get some NNZ or N7C odor neutralizer. Applied to the wall voids or attic spaces where rodents have died or been living, either will effectively remove the pungent, strong rodent smells that can be left behind.

Once the rats have been removed, set out some EVAC RODENT REPELLENT and/or TRANSONIC ULTRASOUND DEVICES. Roof rats use an intricate system of scent trails and once you get some inside, others are sure to come around if you don’t try to prevent them from gaining access.

Roof rats are a major pest throughout the United States and because we have so much information on their biology and how to treat local infestations, we have a separate website just for them that covers all you need to know.

More reading here: ROOF RAT CONTROL ARTICLE

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