Roof rats, known among biologists as Rattus rattus or black rats, call for decisive rodent measures. The Internet Center for Deer Damage Management defines the areas most affected by roof rat problems as the West Coast, Lower East Coast and Gulf States. Also, if you see something crawling on your neighbor’s roof, don’t discount the possibility of a rat control problem, even if you live far from the beach. Can you get rid of the rats on the roof? Maybe – but if you don’t, you’ll get bored. Consider rodent control to be a more proactive problem. In fact, there are seven roof rack maintenance tips you can easily implement today. Who knows, the Battus rattus may hold your property.
Rodent Control in Seven Simple Steps
- Mark holes through (and under) the roof. Mice enter the roof at intervals no wider than half an inch. window screen material or aluminum shot to seal any openings; teeth are gnawing oddly. Instead, choose flashing metal to block the entry holes in the attic. Remember to secure the garage! Watching the rats run through the rafters is not a good look.
- A broken tree branch overhanging. The rat is quite an acrobat and jumps about 48 inches from the branch to the roof. Look around the trees surrounding your house, and keep the branches to a distance of at least 50 inches; cutting off all overhanging branches. While you’re at it, see if the trees are growing too close. Dwarf fruit trees should be grown a little apart from other trees.
- Remove debris and piles from the house. Getting rid of rats from the roof can be as simple as removing the main attraction: food. Trashcans and trash cans with ill-fitting lids are major attractions for rodents. Replace closer with models that provide good closure cover.
- Harvest fruit trees early and clean, flowing fruit. Sunny Southern California in particular is home to many roof rat populations. Rodent control measures here include a ready harvest of oranges, which the animals eat. Telltale signs of rodent feeding include orange peels that are largely intact, although the fruit appears to have been consumed from the inside. The policy does not only apply to citrus fruit, but also to other types of fruit that attract the sweet-toothed Batto rat.
- Flash rats! Sheet metal sheets that are at least 24 inches wide should be finished flashing do not let the mice go up or down. Install snugly around trees, chimneys and walls.
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What doesn’t work?
Have you seen electronic devices for sale for rodent control? Sellers promise that these gadgets will emit high-frequency sounds that rats can’t seem to stand on the roof. Indeed, rats are initially frightened by the sounds but quickly get used to the repeated noise. The University of Arizona also advises users to avoid chemicals. While it works for other pests, it has not been proven to deter mice from the roof. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not make a hole in the roof of the growing rat population. Sure, Furry would sometimes present you with juvenile roaches, but only the most ferocious cats do the hunting and killing at full scale. adult pests
Sources
Internet Center for Deer Damage Management; “roof rats”
University of Arizona; “Roof Rat Control around houses and other structures”
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the house is a trace of the old British mansions are also an open invitation to house rats. Growing vines echo through hedges and hedgerows to this friendship.
