Rat sightings in Ontario cities like Toronto are getting worse. Often the culprit is the Norway rat, which lives in burrows in the ground.
But a different rat, the roof rat, is really causing problems for homeowners. This rat is an excellent climber. It nests in trees and chews through eaves and soffits to nest in your attic. These rats don’t just damage your home; they transmit diseases that can make you sick.
Roof rats have long been a problem in coastal areas. Now they are moving inland. As cold weather kicks in, your cozy attic holds great appeal.
To protect your property from roof rats, the experts at Pest HQ suggest the following:
- Pay attention to signs of rat activity. These include:
- Scratching noises coming from the attic and walls at night
- Stains seeping through the ceiling or walls
- Gnawing on soffits, eaves, dormers and where wood and shingles meet
- Dark greasy streaks on siding where rats travel
- Inspect regularly. Buildings degrade over time. Any weak spot provides easy access for roof rats. Inspect your home, garage and shed monthly. Make needed repairs using rodent-proof materials that keep rats out.
- Make your property less attractive to roof rats. If denied food, water and shelter, the rats will go elsewhere.
- Use the best rat control products in Canada to eliminate rats on your property. Pest HQ sells a discounted product bundle that ships fast or can be picked up at our headquarters.
Questions? Visit the Pest HQ Learning Centre or contact our experts.
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