Evidence Of Roof Rats

Signs of an infestation of roof rats.

Evidence of roof rats.

Sheds look for rat holes entrances to burrows around the edges of sheds and out buildings. Although roof rats will typically nest and breed in attics they also build extensive burrow systems on the ground for food storage or shelter. Evidence of roof rats. Adult roof rats measure 6 8 16 20 cm when combining their head and body length.

Their undersides are often white gray or black. Garages check for gaps around door frames or holes gnawed at the bottom of wooden doors. Footprints rats leave foot and tail marks in dusty less used areas of buildings. If you have an integral garage check around the internal door as well and any vents that could give entry into other.

Decking check the edges of decked areas for signs of damage from gnawing and burrowing. They are typically shiny black but coloring can vary due to the rat s diet. 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. Roof rats will also chew through plastic and metal pipes to get water which can lead to serious structural damage. However you need to know the signs of infestation that can alert you to their presence. Droppings roof rat droppings are capsule shaped with blunt ends measuring 1 4 to 1 2 inch long.

The burrows can cause structural damage as they are often found under decking garden sheds or houses themselves.