Evidence Of Roof Rats

Rat holes brown rats are well known for digging extensive burrow systems for shelter food storage and nesting.

Evidence of roof rats.

Although roof rats will typically nest and breed in attics they also build extensive burrow systems on the ground for food storage or shelter. Roof rats will also chew through plastic and metal pipes to get water which can lead to serious structural damage. Sheds look for rat holes entrances to burrows around the edges of sheds and out buildings. Most homeowners will not see the rats themselves but instead will find evidence of rats if you see the following you may have roof rats on your property.

Adult roof rats measure 6 8 16 20 cm when combining their head and body length. They are typically shiny black but coloring can vary due to the rat s diet. Garages check for gaps around door frames or holes gnawed at the bottom of wooden doors. If you have an integral garage check around the internal door as well and any vents that could give entry into other.

Droppings roof rat droppings are capsule shaped with blunt ends measuring 1 4 to 1 2 inch long. Their undersides are often white gray or black. Decking check the edges of decked areas for signs of damage from gnawing and burrowing. Footprints rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty less used areas of buildings.

Evidence of roof rats. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black. You won t always see roof rats because they are nocturnal and forage for food at night. Rat nests rats will shred available materials such as loft insulation cardboard and other soft items to make nests.

However you need to know the signs of infestation that can alert you to their presence.