Do I Have Rats In Attic

The two most common species of rats in north america are the brown rat commonly referred to as the norway rat and the smaller black rat better know as the roof rat.

Do i have rats in attic.

They can spread these diseases via their feces and urine. Norway rats prefer to live in basements or on the ground floor but they will venture into your attic when they must. Here s another point to note rats and mice are known to carry more than 30 dangerous diseases. Black rats like to climb.

Rats in the attic is a common challenge throughout the united states. You must be thinking that how having rats in the attic is a serious issue. Nests made from feces and urine are clearly undesirable to have in the attic. It is thought that a roof rat could live up to 4 years max.

In warmer climates your rodent infestation is more likely to be due to a black rat also known as a roof rat house rat or ship rat. Living in an attic is a relatively natural thing for them and it has some advantages including access to human food safety from predation and shelter from the weather. Roof rats move into attics when the weather starts to cool and they will occupy your attic in the cooler fall and winter months. Pack rats in the attic also engage in other typical rodent behavior such as chewing on wires and shredding insulation.

They can successfully mate throughout the year meaning that if you have rats in the attic then there is a good possibility that they will have a nest of baby rats that you will need to deal with as well. The average life span of a roof rat is 1 year due to predators and pest control. If you are asking yourself the following question do i have rats in my attic and you see a live rat then the answer is yes. The roof rat breeding season is mainly in the spring and summer.

Listen for scurrying feet and squeaks especially at night and look out for traces of droppings usually grouped in a corner and signs of scratching and chew marks which are all indications that you have rodents in the attic. Because of the diseases they can carry you should also check up on the equipment that you will need to safely trap the rats without any risk to your health. If you hear scratching in your attic or the pitter patter of feet up and down the walls or above the ceiling in your house and the noise is coming at night it s most likely rats or mice. Sometimes they live in dead trees.

Daytime noises are more likely squirrel and raccoons sound larger. If you suspect you have rats in the attic the first step is to inspect your entire home. Rats can be very bold and will still sneak around even if it hears you coming. Once your attic is heavily infested it can be a serious battle to get rid of them.

Both the norway rat and the roof rats infest homes however it is the roof rat that tends to make nests inside attic spaces. Rats or mice tend to breed rapidly and the attic is an ideal place for them to have babies. So if you have rats or mice in the attic you should do something as soon as possible.