Signs Of A Rat Infestation In The Roof Or Attic
When it comes to a pest infestation in the home, nothing strikes fear into the heart of homeowners more than the idea of having rats inside their house. In addition to causing damage, rats can harbor any number of potentially dangerous diseases, including rat-bite fever, salmonella, hantavirus, and even the plague. Knowing the signs of a rat infestation in your attic and roof, which is where rats will often enter and nest inside the home, will allow you to act quickly and get rid of these pests.
Here are a few signs you may have rats in your attic or roof
Strange Noises and Unusual Pet Activity
Often, one of the first signs of rat activity in your attic or on your roof is that you will hear odd noises. For example, the rats may make scratching noises while they scurry across the roof or your attic's floor, or you may hear the rats themselves squeaking. Rats will drag items across the attic floor, such as pieces of insulation, to make a nest or will gnaw at the wooden rafters.
The presence of rats will often put your pets at high alert. Your dogs may begin to sniff around the entrance to your attic or look up toward the attic and bark or whine. Your cats may also meow, scratch at the attic entrance, or suddenly become interested in accessing the attic.
Keep an Eye on Your Roof
The roof makes an easy access point for rats, especially if there is damage to a window or the roof itself. Additionally, the rats can access the roof by climbing any overgrown trees or by climbing along the utility lines. There is a type of rat called a roof rat that gets its name from its preference for living in the attic or roof.
Keep a watchful eye on your roof for any rats scurrying across to access the attic, especially at night. If you see a rat, contact a rat exterminator right away.
Examine Your Attic
Finally, if you suspect there are rats in your attic, the best option is to access the attic and look around. In addition to seeing the rats, you may notice other signs of rats in the attic, such as droppings on the floor, nests, or marks on the walls where the rats have gnawed at the wood. Contact a professional right away if you notice these signs or see a rat in your attic to help you end the infestation.
From strange noises to actually seeing the rats run across the roof or in your attic, there are several signs of a rat infestation in your attic or roof.