Evidence Of Roof Rats

However you need to know the signs of infestation that can alert you to their presence.

Evidence of roof rats.

You won t always see roof rats because they are nocturnal and forage for food at night. Rat holes brown rats are well known for digging extensive burrow systems for shelter food storage and nesting. They are typically shiny black but coloring can vary due to the rat s diet. Although roof rats will typically nest and breed in attics they also build extensive burrow systems on the ground for food storage or shelter.

Decking check the edges of decked areas for signs of damage from gnawing and burrowing. Most homeowners will not see the rats themselves but instead will find evidence of rats if you see the following you may have roof rats on your property. Droppings roof rat droppings are capsule shaped with blunt ends measuring 1 4 to 1 2 inch long. Their undersides are often white gray or black.

Sheds look for rat holes entrances to burrows around the edges of sheds and out buildings. Signs of an infestation of roof rats. The burrows can cause structural damage as they are often found under decking garden sheds or houses themselves. Garages check for gaps around door frames or holes gnawed at the bottom of wooden doors.

Footprints rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty less used areas of buildings. Roof rats will also chew through plastic and metal pipes to get water which can lead to serious structural damage. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black. Rat nests rats will shred available materials such as loft insulation cardboard and other soft items to make nests.

Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears a pointed nose and a scaly tail.