Rats usually access your roof through holes and cracks, drains, doors and windows, and pipes, and there's plenty you can do to prevent this from happening. These are the best methods: Find holes and cracks that are 20mm or bigger, and seal them up with caulk. You can also use steel wool if you need to.
Roof rats are prevalent in many parts of the U.S., including Southern California. The bad news is that roof rats can wreak havoc on your home if not appropriately eradicated. Learn more about what roof rats are, some of the most common reasons why they might have infested your home, and what to do about it.
Generally preferring sheltered or covered habitats, roof rats are attracted to lush landscapes, dense vegetation and fruit trees. As result, properties with heavy shrubbery, woodpiles and storage boxes are more prone to roof rat infestations.
A roof rat spends most of the day sleeping in its nest. These rodents are nimble climbers and live in high places like attics or above drop ceilings. If residents notice a roof rat during the day, it could point to the presence of a larger population just out of sight.
Rats and mice are nocturnal with most activity taking place between approximately one half hour after sunset to about one half hour before sunrise.
Mothballs, chili pepper flakes, garlic, and peppermint oil, clove oil, or tea tree oil are all effective deterrents that some homeowners may already have on hand. Homeowners can apply these substances in parts of the home or yard where roof rats have been spotted to discourage them from coming back.
Failing to report a rat infestation is not wise – they do not disappear of their own accord and they will likely spread.
Roof rats can enter through a small hole the size of one-half inch. They also chew their way through entry holes, gaps in the roof, fitting through cracks and crevices. Roof rats prefer to stay in elevated places, so it's likely you'll spot them climbing on trees, telephone lines, or in the attics of homes.
Electronic rat traps are considered the most modern and effective traps for rodents. These traps lure rodents with food and baits them onto a metal plate inside that immediately electrocutes them. It is the most humane approach in comparison to snap traps and poisonous traps – the rat's death is nearly instant.
If rats are in your ceiling, you will likely want to contact a professional. Rats in your ceiling could indicate that they have built a nest and started reproducing. Unfortunately, these creatures are capable of reproducing at an alarming rate.
If there are garbage cans and dumpsters around, they will use those too, as a means of cover from predators. Rats also crawl up trees during the day to look for food sources. In a city, rats tend to hide in sewers and other public places during the day where they can avoid predators.
Rats and rodents in general are very sensitive to sound, since it's one of their main tools for survival. Any new or unexpected noise will frighten them and send them scurrying. However, once rodents get used to a sound, they will no longer fear it.
Roof rats are often found nesting high up in trees, but also in burrows under plants. They are also likely to infest basements, areas under buildings and sewers as well as higher places in structures. If your property provides the essentials such a food, water and shelter, you could develop a rat problem.
Baking soda combines with the stomach acids to produce carbon dioxide gas which rats are unable to tolerate. In turn, it builds up within their system and eventually causes internal blockage and rupture. Soon enough, you will have the rat-free environment you always deserved.
Peppermint Oil
On a cotton ball use no more than 5 drops of 100% peppermint essential oil. Spread the oil on areas that you want rats to avoid, in your case, around the garden.
Rats dislike the smell of their predators, even if they aren't found anywhere near the area. If a rat finds a place that smells like a cat, ferret, or raccoon, there's a huge chance that the rodent will stay away from that site.
Pieces of fruit and bacon are particularly effective in drawing roof rats toward traps. In addition, try putting the attractant out for a few days before setting the trap. This will get the rat used to eating at that location.
Mothballs are a great rat repellent as they are poisonous to them. You can place a good amount of them in your attic, basement, kitchen, yard, or in any other area where you suspect rat presence.
You might hear scratching and gnawing as they crawl around or chew on your walls and wires. You could also hear a scurrying noise as they move quickly across your attic. Chirps and squeaks are also common in mice, but rats usually communicate at a pitch that humans cannot hear.
Most roof rats and mice are nocturnal. They're also scared of humans, and good at staying out of sight. That means you may never see the pest itself.