Why Do I Have Rats In the Attic?
Finding rats in your attic can be scary and upsetting. These rodents are a common household pest for people in Texas, but it’s never fun or easy to handle an infestation once it’s taken hold of your space. While many of us know to keep an eye out for signs of rats in our pantries and basements, there’s another common place that these creatures often invade: the attic. It’s dark, quiet, and usually empty, which makes it the perfect hiding place. But, why do you have rats in the attic, and how can you keep them out for good?
How Do Rats Get Inside of the Attic?
Rats are resourceful creatures, and some species are excellent climbers. Roof rats, for example, can climb walls, trees, or nearby structures and then jump or squeeze their way into the attic. Their flexible bodies and ability to gnaw on materials enable them to widen openings or create new ones, allowing them to infiltrate your attic and seek shelter and resources within. Once they are on your roof, they can exploit even the tiniest openings or gaps in the structure of your home.
Common entry points include gaps or cracks in the roofline, damaged or missing roof shingles, vents that are not properly sealed, gaps around pipes or utility lines, and openings around chimneys or eaves. Rats Regular inspection and sealing of potential entry points is crucial in preventing rats from gaining access to your attic.
Dangers of a Rodent Infestation
Having rats in your attic is more than just a hassle. These pests can carry serious diseases that can have long-lasting health consequences. Rat droppings, urine, and bites can spread illnesses like salmonellosis, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever. Rats also love to chew on things, such as electrical wiring or insulation. This can cause fires, costly repairs, and potentially hazardous situations. It’s crucial to take action as quickly as possible if you notice the signs of rats in your attic. Some signs you may have a rodent infestation in your attic include:
- Droppings: Rat droppings are a clear sign of their presence. These droppings are usually small, dark, and pellet-shaped. You may find them scattered in areas where rats frequent, such as along baseboards, in corners, or near food sources.
- Gnaw marks: Rats have a constant need to gnaw on objects to keep their teeth sharp and trimmed. Look for gnaw marks on wood, plastic, wires, or other materials in and around your home, especially in the attic. Fresh gnaw marks are often rough and have a lighter color.
- Scratching or scurrying sounds: Rats are active creatures, especially during the night. If you hear persistent scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds coming from the walls, attic, or ceiling, it may indicate their presence.
- Nests: Rats create nests using various materials, such as shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or other soft items. Inspect hidden or undisturbed areas in your attic, basement, or storage spaces for nests, which may appear as messy piles.
Get Professional Rodent Extermination
With rats in your home you may be tempted to try DIY methods to remove them from your attic. However, rats are incredibly crafty when it comes to traps, and using poisons can be dangerous, or leave dead rats to rot. Instead, trust the experts at Certified Termite and Pest Control to solve your rat problem. We offer free retreatment if you’re not satisfied with our first round of pest control, but with our highly trained and background checked service members, we’re sure your home will be pest free in no time. Give us a call today to get started!
