Nobody wants a rat problem in their home. Not only is it startling to see them, but they're also filthy animals that will damage your property over time. Today, we're going to discuss roof rats and how you can keep them out of your Augusta home.
Identifying Roof Rats In Augusta
Roof rats also called ship rats and black rats and can also be brown with black parts or gray with black or white undersides. They can damage buildings and other materials, contaminate food, and spread disease no matter their color. They are often found in upper parts of buildings like roofs, especially in coastal regions like Augusta, ME, seaports, tropical regions, and the southern third of the United States.
Besides those identifying colors, roof rats measure about 16 inches long, and half of this length typically consists of their scaly tails. With adults, the tails are longer than the bodies. They average about 5 to 9 ounces but can weigh up to 12 ounces. Roof rats are thin and long, with pointed noses and big eyes and ears. The most common fur color is brown, with black spots.
Roof rats are among the most common kinds of rats, but there are more than 70 different rats and mice in North America. The House Mouse can be light brown, dark brown, black or white, with black or gray markings. Wild rats are pale yellow to dark brown, with large ears; Kangaroo Rats hop and have larger hind legs. Signs of rat infestations include droppings, nests, gnaw marks, ruined food, noises in walls or attics, and greasy rub marks.
The Dangers of Roof Rats in Augusta
Since roof rats are such good climbers, it is harder to prevent and eliminate their infestations. Rats gnaw through things, and this can be especially dangerous when they go after wiring or insulation. It is not unusual for homeowners to have to replace these systems after rats have gotten to them. When these rodents find stored food (they prefer seeds and grains), they can make their way to it, eat it and then contaminate it with their feces and urine.
Perhaps the worst danger presented by roof rats is their propensity to spread diseases. Some of the more serious ones include:
- Leptospirosis
- Plague
- Salmonellosis
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
- Lassa Fever
- Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Preventing Roof Rats in Augusta
The first step towards preventing roof rats is to keep your yard clean and free of debris. This means getting rid of woodpiles and debris close to buildings, removing brush and weeds, mowing long grass, and trimming shrubs. Rats also like pet food, so keep garbage cans tightly closed and avoid feeding dogs and cats outside or remove any food and bowls afterward.
For roof rats, make sure that all roof access is closed off. Any opening that is more than 1/2 inch should be sealed or plugged with steel wool, metal flashing, or concrete mortar. Chimneys should have mesh-covered chimney caps as an added deterrent.
Indoors, be sure to cover up leftover food tightly and store it where rats cannot get to it. Make the rest of your home unattractive to roof rats by cleaning up food debris and clutter.
How to Eliminate Roof Rats in your Augusta Home
If you have tried preventative measures and are still finding signs of rat infestation, Bug Busterzzz Pest Control can provide advice and assistance. No matter what rodents you may have, our pest control programs can be customized to eradicate your problem. We understand just how dangerous rats can be, not to mention frightening.
The friendly and experienced professionals from Bug Busterzzz Pest Control can get rid of those rats without you having to get your hands dirty. We provide thorough initial inspections, treatments, and free re-treatments if needed. Contact Bug Busterzzz Pest Control today to learn more about our reliable commercial and residential rodent control services.