Where Do Roof Rats Live During the Day & Night in Manassas, VA? Roof Rat Infestation Identification & Control
Rodents certainly have been a plague on man for centuries. They have been known to adapt very well to their surroundings whether it is outside or inside. Rats are harmful to your health as they spread disease, germs, and bacteria as well as causing costly damages while foraging for food, water, and nesting materials. Their gnawing and scratching can destroy structure, utility lines, and your property fast. One of the more common species of rats in Virginia is Roof Rats and today, we at CSI Home and Commercial Services would like to take a closer look at them to help you gain a better understanding.
What Do Roof Rats Look Like?
A roof rat’s body will generally grow between 6” and 8” and the tail is an additional 7” to 10” long. Weighing between 5 and 12 ounces, roof rats are typically an assortment of colors such as blends of black, brown, variations of gray, whites, and blacks. Their fur is often smooth and soft to the touch. The roof rat’s muzzle is pointy and they have large eyes and ears of which are nearly furless.
Where Do Roof Rats Live During the Day & Night?
Roof rats have an incredible ability to climb and traverse the roof tops of buildings and power lines, hence their name. They often find their way into your home business by gaining entry to the buildings by damaged vents, utility lines, or other deteriorating areas on the rooftop. Outdoors, the roof rat will frequently nest above ground, in trees and in other dense vegetation. Indoors they frequent attic spaces, the area just above ceilings, behind walls, and in the top areas of cabinets.
Where Are Roof Rats Found?
Roof rats are scattered throughout the United States, but are more heavily concentrated around the coastline, especially near seaports. More often than not roof rats are intruding the homes and businesses in an effort to find food, water, and to escape extreme weather conditions. With their highly adaptable and clever ways, they are able to elude humans. With increased reproductive activities, roof rats can be difficult to contain without professional assistance.
Best Ways to Prevent Roof Rats
In effort to help homes and business avoid roof rats from intruding in their property, we at CSI Home and Commercial Services have compiled a concise list you can do minimize their intrusions.
– Evaluate the roof and repair or replace any missing, damaged, or loose roof shingles and ensure the chimney, if applicable, has a tight fitting cap.
– Check all the outdoor trash cans and ensure their lids are closed and secure. Keep them stored a fair distance away from your home or business. Wash them out periodically.
– Maintain bushes and trees by keeping them pruned and trimmed away from the house.
– Caulk and/or weather strip windows and doors as needed.
– Inspect the vents and ensure they have tight fitting covers on them.
– Keep human and pet food sealed in air tight containers and avoid leaving food debris out for long periods of time.
Roof Rat Control
If you suspect roof rats are infesting your home or business in Fairfax, Manassas, Fredericksburg or surrounding communities of Virginia, contact CSI Home and Commercial Services and we will do the rest.
