How Do Rats Get Indoors? What Are The Risks?
Roof rats are extremely common in the city. They are far from dainty, being a whopping 15 inches long or more. They have scaly tails that stretch out beyond their bodies. Immensely furry, their hairs are black or brown. Among their features are big ears and eyes, and pointed noses.
A preference for heights is how roof rats got their name. To get to the apex of a home or business, they’ll hop on a tree branch or power line. From there, they’ll find holes around vents, shingles, and foundations to come through. The opening doesn’t have to be very large; it can be as tiny as ½ of an inch in diameter, and they’ll rip it wider with their teeth if need be. Then, the roof rats will settle in attics, garages, and rafters.
Major signs of infestation include:
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Discovering feces.
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Noticing slimy rub marks along floors and baseboards.
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Seeing their footprints.
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Hearing noises, like squeaking or scratching, from inside walls.
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Catching them out in daylight, though they are nocturnal.
Noticing slimy rub marks along floors and baseboards.
Seeing their footprints.
Hearing noises, like squeaking or scratching, from inside walls.
Catching them out in daylight, though they are nocturnal.
Rats can put your health on the line because they are covered in bacteria. It is in their urine, feces, and saliva, and on top of that, their fur contains parasites. Since these animals flourish in filthy locations, like garbage dumpsters and street sewers, they collect microbes as they move around, and without a doubt, they contaminate surfaces and food when they crawl on them. Some of the conditions you or someone else could contract are tularemia, hantavirus, and salmonellosis. In addition, since rats chew on materials such as drywall and wiring, they can do significant damage to your property. A gnawed wire may mean an electrical fire or shortage.