Why Are Roof Rats Dangerous?

Friday, October 14th 2022, 4:00 AM

The Dangers Of Roof Rats

San Jose, United States - October 14, 2022 /Habitat Pest Control/

Rodents are notorious for spreading diseases worldwide. These pests may carry diseases without any apparent illness. So, identifying rodents at risk is not easy. The best way to prevent infections is to have rodent control in and around a house. 

Measures must be taken to prevent rats and mice from infesting a home. However, a pest control service might be the best option to eradicate rodent infestation. Home or business owners who need rodent control services in the Bay Area in Northern California can choose Habitat Pest Control. This company has a team of pest control service professionals who are experts on the pest problems of the local environment. Habitat Pest Control provides customized treatment plans designed to find and treat the foundation of the pest infestation problem of each customer. In this article, Habitat Pest Control shares information on roof rats.

When the weather changes or is harsh, pests like rodents seek shelter in homes. Roof rats are a nuisance,  affecting the safety of homes. They are also called ship rats or black rats. Roof rats are dark brown and black, contrasting lighter or black undersides and scaly tails, and can grow up to 16 inches long, including their tails. Roof rats get their name because they are sleek and agile creatures and good climbers.  They thrive in the attics and upper levels of buildings. 

Why Are Roof Rats Dangerous?

1. Roof rats can contaminate food supplies. Food can be contaminated by the urine and droppings of roof rats, leading to medical problems.
2. Rats chew and gnaw at things to keep their teeth sharp. Roof rats can damage wires, insulation, wood, wall material, etc. Electrical fires may result from damaged electrical wires. They shred electrical insulation and use it to build their nests. These pests are estimated to cause damages worth around $19 billion annually. Pest control is vital for safety and to keep damages low. 
3. Roof rats can carry fleas and other bugs that can infest homes and trouble family members and pets.
4. Roof rats can act as disease carriers of diseases like leptospirosis and rat-bite fever. They can also spread salmonella when they run around food or any surface where food is stored.

Preventing The Entry of Roof Rats

Getting rid of roof rats is difficult. It is better to prevent their entry as far as possible. The following are some tips to keep roof rats away:

• The home and surroundings must be kept clean, and households must dispose of trash promptly and properly. 
• There must be no leaks or other water sources that rats can access.
• Property owners must maintain roofs in good condition. Loose or missing shingles must be replaced. 
• A chimney cap can prevent rodent entry through chimneys. 
• Families must place outdoor trash cans at a distance from the home and use well-fitting lids.
• Trimming bushes and trees can reduce the entry of rats into homes.
• The gaps around windows and doors must be caulked.
• Food must always be kept in sealed containers or refrigerated.

If a home in the Bay Area of Northern California needs roof rat control services, it can be done by Habitat Pest Control. This residential pest control provider will get a trained inspector to assess the type of infestation. A customized treatment plan for rodent control is shared with the customer. Rodents are trapped, and rodent-proofing of the house is completed. Habitat Pest Control technicians clean the affected areas like attics and crawl spaces and sanitize and deodorize the area. They offer regular monitoring to keep the environment rodent-free. Homeowners can call Habitat Pest Control at (408) 922-9898 to schedule a free inspection for pest control.