Roof Rats!
Roof Rats travel in small clusters of up to ten of their buddies. This rat is nocturnal and thrives in
cooler weather so winter and springtime is a great time for them in the Valley. Oranges are ripe in some
areas and that keeps them fed but the cold makes them seek out warmer places to nest. But citrus is not
all that they eat! You may be sharing the same food source. Roof Rats will enter a home in search of dry
goods. Roof rats can be heard skittering around in the roof. They can leave small pointed -end
droppings from where they are nesting to where they are eating. These droppings can measure up to ½
inch. The feces can be seen directly in your home but are most likely found on rooftops, their travel
route, and around the actual nourishment site.
Disease and Destruction
Roof rats also like commercial farms or storage facility. Once they are inside, they will infest both human
and animal stores. In both residential and commercial facilities, they are known to gnaw on wires and
destroy insulation to use as nesting materials which cause fire hazards
Rats drop their excrement constantly. Watch out, they will bite a human or pet when cornered. Rat-bite fever can
be transmitted from a bite or a scratch. Fleas love to hitch a ride and nibble on vermin. Fleas carry
disease so a bite from an infected rat can be dangerous to your health. Roof Rats carry pathogens and
parasites such as; Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis (food contamination), Trichinosis, and more.
Although treatable today, these rats are infamous for the spread of the Black Death also called known as
The Plague. As a result of people fleeing contagious areas, the Plague spread to humans who lived near the Black Sea and then into the rest of Europe.
The best way to avoid rodent infestation is to
- Harvest citrus completely
- Pick up fruits and nuts off the ground
- Store bulk food in sealed containers
- Keep garbage cans closed
- Remove pet excrement
- Seal up entry points
Handling Dead Rats
The handling of dead rats must be done with the utmost caution using rubber gloves and disinfecting
with bleach afterward. If you see evidence of feces and dead rats call a professional.
Stormin’ Norman Termite and Pest control offer a full range of services. Their expertise includes the
control of Roof Rats and other vermin keeping them out of your home and away from your family, pets
and commercial stores. Exclusion and control services are determined upon inspection. Call Stormin’
Norman for a Free Estimate today. 480-804-1114
https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/rodents/roof-rats/
https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1775-2018.pdf