Have you ever looked at something or someone and asked yourself, “How did they get up there?” Men on billboard signs, shoes hanging from telephone wires, and rats on roofs often raise this question. If seeing rats on roofs seems odd to you, we assure you, it does happen, and it happens frequently. If you do not know much about roof rats and would like to learn the best way to keep them off (and out of) your Philadelphia home, here is everything you need to know.
What Are Roof Rats?
“Roof rat” isn’t a general term to describe rats that get onto roofs, but instead, it is a particular species of rodent that lives here in Philadelphia. Roof rats are brown with black intermixed in their fur and they have white or black bellies. From the tip of their slightly pointy nose to the tip of their scaly tails, they are about 16” long. Roof rats have sharp eyes and even sharper teeth. Using their sharp teeth, roof rats are capable of chewing through wood, plastic, and certain metals. Combine this with roof rat’s adept ability to climb and you have a pest that has no trouble invading homes.
The Dangers Of Roof Rats
When roof rats aren’t invading homes, they are spending time around unclean and usually bacteria-laden areas. This behavior causes roof rats to pick a variety of dangerous germs, human pathogens, and parasitic worms. As roof rats enter into homes, they can bring these dangerous sickness vectors with them. Fecal matter, urine, and other bodily fluids produced by rodents spread these vectors throughout homes and threaten residents with dangerous diseases. Just a few of the diseases roof rats spread are salmonellosis, hantavirus, and leptospirosis.
Fleas and ticks are common problems associated with roof rats as these parasites use rodents as transports to invade homes. If you have indoor pets that do not have protection against fleas and ticks, they could have trouble if rodents bring these unwanted guests with them inside. In addition to this, both fleas and ticks can spread dangerous diseases of their own to pets and humans.
Finally, roof rats are known for damaging properties. If a wall, ceiling, A.C. unit, clump of wires, utility pipe, or anything else around your home stands between a roof rat and where it wants to go, it will simply chew right through it. This behavior can lead to severe property damage.
How hard is it to prevent roof rats?
Because of the number of ways roof rats invade homes, prevention is difficult. This, however, doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do. If you want to put in place some defenses around your Philadelphia home, here are some of the best tips our experts suggest.
- Fill in and seal gaps, cracks, and holes around your home’s exterior using some steel wool and a caulking gun.
- Repair more extensive damage to your home’s exterior. (Make sure to check around your roofline.)
- Make sure your chimney is equipped with a rodent-proof cap.
- Eliminate clutter and natural debris in and around your property.
- Clean your home regularly and thoroughly.
- Store leftover foods after every meal inside airtight containers.
- Clean up after your pets when they have finished eating.
- Address moisture issues around your home.
The Only Proven Way To Handle A Rodent Infestation
If roof rats or any other rodents have found their way into your Philidelphia home, there is only one option that works every time, professional pest control courtesy of Pestmaster® Services. When you hire our team, you get fast and effective solutions to any pest problem.
Reach out to our team with questions or to schedule a visit for your Philadelphia home.