Comprehensive Roof Rat Control in Phoenix
Are Roof Rats Dangerous?
Yes, they pose a massive threat. They chew through electrical wiring, creating severe fire hazards. They destroy insulation with urine and feces and carry diseases like murine typhus, while also introducing secondary pests like fleas.
What Are Roof Rats?
Often called "citrus rats," they are slender, black or brown rodents about 10-12 inches long. They are exceptional climbers that prefer nesting high off the ground in attics, rafters, and citrus trees.
Signs of a Roof Rat Infestation
Common signs include scampering noises in the ceiling at night, hollowed-out citrus fruit in the yard, greasy dark rub marks along exterior walls, and droppings (about ½ inch long with pointed ends) in the attic.
Preventing Roof Rats
Trim tree branches at least three feet away from your roofline. Harvest ripe citrus immediately and clean up fallen fruit. Seal all gaps in the roof, eaves, and vents, as they can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter.
The Antidote
We provide detailed attic inspections and implement strategic trapping programs to rapidly control the population. We also perform professional exclusion to permanently seal entry points so the rats cannot return.
Roof Rat FAQs
What attracts roof rats to my house?
They are primarily attracted to unharvested citrus trees, dense vegetation like oleanders, and easy access to water. Once on your property, they seek warm, secure nesting areas like attics.
Can roof rats climb exterior walls?
Yes. They are incredibly agile and can climb stucco, brick, block walls, and vine-covered exteriors with ease to access rooflines and chew into eaves or vents.
How quickly do they multiply?
Very quickly. A single female can have 4 to 6 litters per year, with 5 to 8 pups each. A small problem in the fall can explode into a massive attic infestation by spring.
Do roof rats travel during the day?
Typically, no. They are nocturnal and forage at night. If you see one during the day, it usually indicates a very large population where competition for food forces them into daylight.
Will poison make them leave to die?
No. If you use rodenticides indoors, rats often retreat to their nests deep inside walls or attics to die, creating a severe odor problem. Professional trapping is recommended indoors.
How small of a hole can they fit through?
A mature roof rat can squeeze through an opening as small as a quarter (about half an inch). If their skull fits, their body can compress to follow, making meticulous exclusion essential.