Discover How To Get Rid Of Rats In Walls And Ceilings
Rats are a common problem for homeowners. They can invade your home through the roof, walls, or ceiling. They can also contaminate your food and spread diseases.
This blog post will discuss how to get rid of rats in walls and ceilings. We will explore various methods, including rat baits and multiple types of rat traps. We will also discuss ways to prevent them from coming back.
What Are Roof Rats?
If you have a rat problem, chances are you have roof rats. These prolific climbers are excellent jumpers and can squeeze through spaces as small as 3/4 of an inch. Roof rats are also sometimes known as black rats or ship rats and are distinguished from other rat species by their long tails and coloration. They are brown with black shading on their backs and sides, and their undersides are light-colored.
Roof rats originated in tropical areas of Southeast Asia. They can now be found throughout the world, including the United States. They prefer to live in elevated areas such as trees, attics, and rafters, which is why they're called "roof" rats.
They are also adept swimmers and excellent climbers, allowing access to your home through holes in the roof or small openings around doors and windows. Once inside, they will begin to nest and reproduce quickly, damaging your home in the process.
If you suspect you have a roof rat infestation, it's essential to address the situation immediately with a professional product that kills rats and rids you of the problem before it gets out of hand.
Roof rats, or black rats, are smaller than Norway rats, and are typically darker in color.
What Are Their Habits And Biology?
Roof rats are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are also good climbers and often enter homes by climbing onto rooflines or through trees close to the house. Once inside, roof rats will typically nest in attics, ceilings, or walls. They are also known to gnaw on electrical wires, posing a severe fire hazard.
Roof rats are opportunists and will eat just about anything when it comes to food. Pet food, fruits, nuts, and vegetables are all fair game. They will also drink water whenever they can find a source, which is why they often invade homes in search of food and water.
Because roof rats need access to both food and a water source, they will typically follow the same routes every day as they search for resources. This makes them relatively easy to trap and remove from your home. However, they are somewhat suspicious creatures like Norway rats, so it may take a few days before they approach any baits.
How To Inspect For Roof Rats In Walls And Ceiling
There are four primary ways to inspect roof rats: tracks, droppings, gnaw marks, and burrows. Let's look at each one in more detail below.
- Tracks: Look for grease marks along baseboards, drawers, or shelves. These are typically smudges composed of dirt or dust, and you may be able to spot tail marks.
- Droppings: Look for small, dark droppings about a little bigger than a grain of rice (up to a half-inch). You may find them in cupboards, near food sources, or wherever else the rats have been active. If you can peek into your walls or attic, you should be able to see them quickly.
- Gnaw Marks: Inspect for chewed holes in food packaging or gnawed edges on wood and pipes. Roof rats will also chew on wood structures, electrical wiring, and insulation in your walls and ceiling.
- Burrows: Check for small tunnel openings in and around your insulation. They'll tunnel right through your attic insulation, so keep an eye open for anything that looks off or unnatural.
Look out for signs of roof rats along walls and pipes. You may see smudging, gnaw marks, or droppings.
How To Get Rid Of Rats In Walls And Ceilings
If you've got rats in your walls or ceilings, don't panic - there are excellent rodent control products that will get rid of them. First, set up a bait station using peanut butter or other rat-attracting food. Then, place the bait station near where you've seen the rats or their droppings, and check it regularly to make sure the food hasn't been eaten.
Once the bait station has caught a few rats, you can begin working on eliminating their access to your home. First, look for cracks or holes in your walls or ceilings, and seal them with caulk or other materials.
You may also need to trim back trees or bushes close to your home, as these can provide rodents with a way to access your roof.
Some individuals prefer to try to ward off rats using peppermint oil. Still, we recommend sticking to tried and true rodenticides. We've put together a list of a few of our favorite traps and baits below, so you can easily find what will work best for your need to eliminate rats.
Rat Baits
Rat Traps
- Glue Traps such as the Catchmaster 48R Glue Boards
- Snap Traps like the Victor and Trapper T Rex
- Live Traps such as the Safeguard Trap Rats Squirrels Humane Trap
One of the best ways to prevent roof rats is to keep food sources very difficult to access for them.
Prevent Roof Rats From Returning Indoors
No one wants to share their home with unwanted guests, especially those of the furry, four-legged variety. Roof rats are one type of rodent that can be particularly difficult to eliminate once they've decided to seek shelter in your attic or walls. And once they're in, they can be hard to keep out. Here are a few tips to help prevent roof rats from returning indoors:
-Seal up any potential entry points. Roof rats are good climbers and can squeeze through tiny openings. Ensure your windows and doors are correctly sealed and repair any holes in your screens or vents.
-Remove sources of shelter. Trim back trees and bushes that provide roof rats with a place to hide. Keep your yard tidy and free of debris.
-Work with a pest control professional from our DIY team. One of our pest control professionals will be able to identify what kind of rodent problem you have and help you put together a plan to get rid of the rats and prevent them from coming back.
Do-It-Yourself To Save Time And Money
At Do-It-Yourself Pest Control, we know how frustrating rats in your walls and ceilings can be. But we also know that you don't want to spend a fortune on an exterminator. That's why we offer a wide variety of traps and baits so you can get rid of the rats yourself. And if you need any help, our team is always here to answer your questions.
Check out our rat traps and baits selection and find what works best for your needs. Then, with a bit of time and effort, you can get rid of those pesky roof rats!
DIY Pest Control offers products that will kill rats and prevent them from returning in the future. Try these tips along with our products for successful long-term rat control.
