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How to Get Rid of Roof Rats: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to keep a pesky roof rat situation at bay
Photo: Karamysh / Adobe Stock
Photo: Karamysh / Adobe Stock
Why You Should Hire a Pro
Roof rats are more than a nuisance—they carry disease and can cause serious damage by chewing through insulation, wiring, and even structural elements.
Rat exterminator costs range from $200 to $600, but it ensures the safest, fastest removal and long-term prevention.
A pro will identify how roof rats are entering your home and recommend necessary repairs to keep them out. Most importantly, they’ll remove rats and their droppings without exposing your family to health risks.
While there are a few DIY strategies to try if your home is hosting roof rats, hiring a wildlife removal pro is the safest and most reliable way to get rid of them.
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It’s always unsettling to hear scurrying above your head, and if it sounds like many small animals, chances are it’s a roof rat infestation. These pests can trigger allergic reactions, damage your property, and even spread disease, so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are a few DIY strategies to try before bringing in a pro. Here’s how to get rid of roof rats and prevent them from coming back.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources
One of the most effective ways to get rid of roof rats is to eliminate food and water sources throughout your home. Store food in sealed plastic or metal containers and clean up messes as soon as they happen. Also, avoid leaving pet food exposed overnight; instead, store it securely in sealed containers. Plumbing leaks are known to attract rats (they need a small but steady amount of water to survive), so don’t delay getting them fixed.
Employ Baited Traps
Similar to how to get rid of mice, baited traps are a popular and effective way to get rid of roof rats. Traditional snap traps are one of the most humane methods, as they typically kill the rodent instantly. Glue traps, while seemingly less brutal, actually cause the animal to suffer more, especially when they’re not checked regularly. Electronic traps, which kill rats via a high-voltage shock, are another humane option to consider.
Ultrasonic Deterrent Devices
Ultrasonic deterrents are devices that produce ultrasonic sound waves that repel rodents. While these high-frequency sounds are highly unpleasant to rodents, they’re inaudible to humans and most other animals. These can also serve as a preventative measure to ensure roof rats won’t reinfest your home after you’ve successfully eliminated them.
Block Off Entry Points
Where there are roof rats, there’s a way that they got in. They are able to squeeze in holes and gaps that are as small as half an inch in width. Thoroughly inspect your home for any openings, no matter their size, and use appropriate materials such as caulk or mesh to seal them off, effectively preventing rat entry. Also, ensure that pipes and drains have secure coverings in place.
How to Prevent Future Roof Rat Infestations
Invest in the cost of repairing your roof to eliminate potential points of entry.
Regularly inspect your home and seal off any gaps, cracks, or holes where rodents can enter.
Keep vines, shrubbery, and tree branches trimmed so they do not come into contact with your home. (Otherwise, rats will climb them in order to reach your roof.)
Maintain a clean home that’s free of spills, crumbs, and other food messes.
Use natural scent deterrents such as mothballs, garlic, and cotton pads soaked in peppermint, clove, or tea tree essential oils.
What Damage Can Roof Rats Cause?
Aside from making your skin crawl, a roof rat infestation can do major damage to your home over time. Roof rats, also known as black rats or ship rats, can infiltrate your home through small openings such as vents, pipes, or damaged roofing. Once inside, they can wreak havoc by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and even wooden structures. Beyond structural damage, they are also potential disease carriers, which can pose a serious health risk to your family and pets.
Signs of a Roof Rat Infestation
Detecting the presence of roof rats early is crucial for getting rid of rats. Look out for dark, pellet-like droppings in and around your home, as well as evidence of gnaw marks on wires, wood, or walls. Roaming roof rats might also leave oily rub marks along their frequently traveled routes. Additionally, keep an eye out for nests in secluded areas like attics or voids within walls.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While DIY methods can potentially eliminate roof rats, they may not be totally effective for a severe infestation. If you’ve tried everything and can’t get rid of roof rats, or if you want to expedite the process, a local rodent exterminator offers the quickest and most efficient methods to keep them out for good.
Cost to Get Rid of Roof Rats
The average rat exterminator cost is typically between $200 and $600. However, costs can vary based on your location and the extent of the infestation. For the most accurate estimate, get in touch with a professional exterminator in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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