About a decade ago, roof rats famously invaded Phoenix area neighborhood, Arcadia. While roof rats remain an issue in Arcadia, the population of these insidious creatures, has become very fond of the comfort and luxury of these nearby areas. Perhaps it is the bountiful orchards of citrus trees or maybe it is the ease and simplicity of ever present irrigation systems. Given that roof rats reproduce quickly and literally exponentially -they can easily take over a geographic region in a mere matter of months. Regardless of the reason, it has become clear that roof rats have invaded and will be moving ever further into neighborhoods that offer the best ammenities for the convenience of roof rats.
How can you tell if you have roof rats?
Roof rats are nocturnal, meaning that they are generally most active at night. One of the first signs that you may have roof rats is that you will hear this activity occurring in attic areas. Attic areas are, in many cases, very simple to for roof rats to access for a number of reasons. While they are in attic areas they will chew on wiring, plumbing and insulation while nesting in other areas such as nearby trees, bushes, and cacti. You may notice these nests in perimeter areas of property.
How can you prevent an invasion?
The methods of safeguarding yourself from an invasion of roof rats are many and each will be specific to one’s own situation. Considering that roof rats carry a number of life-threatening diseases such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Rat-bite fever (RBF), Murine Typhus, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Leptospirosis, and Eosinophilic Meningitis, prevention must be considered a necessity to any home or business owner. For a customized plan to protect your home or business from invasion by these pests, consult a company specializing in rodent proofing such as Rodent Proof, L.L.C. Companties such as Rodent Proof L.L.C. specialize in rodent exclusion and will make changes to a structure to prevent entry thereby preventing damage to property and exposure to disease.
Invasion can be discouraged on the exterior of a home or business by:
1. Limit food sources. One might do this by removing fallen and ripe fruit from trees. Clean up pet waste. Feed pets indoors rather than on porch areas. Make sure bird feeders are rodent proof and clean up any fallen seeds.
2. Trim tree branches that hang near to roof line. In many cases, a short jump from branch to roof is all a roof rat needs to gain entry.
3. Cover roof drainage pipes. These pipes, originally meant to drain water from your roof, are the super highway to your roof for roof rats. Make sure that water can get out, but roof rats can’t get in.
Roof rat populations will inevitably continue to grow, but with a small amount of effort and perhaps the help of companies such as Rodent Proof, L.L.C., communities (such as Scottsdale and Paradise Valley) will be able to minimize damage to property and health.
Pest Control & Exterminating in Phoenix