Greensboro, NC's Complete Guide To Effective Roof Rat Control

Tree Limbs

If you have trees near your home, a roof rat may use tree limbs to get onto your roof and exploit vulnerabilities up there. Trim tree branches away from your roofline to prevent them.

Downspouts

Roof rats can work their way up through your downspouts and gain access to your roof. You can put wire mesh in your downspouts to stop them.

Wires

Roof rats can run along phone and electric wires from nearby poles. If this is how they're getting to your roof, you may be able to stop them by putting something pointy on the wire to deter them. This won't harm them. They'll know to steer clear of something that can poke them. Roof rats are smart.

Walls

Roof rats are expert climbers. Given the right surface, they may be able to scale your exterior walls. There isn't a lot you can do about this. But take comfort in knowing that your roof overhangs could prevent them from getting up onto your roof. The concern is when there is a roof soffit intersection. If your home has one or more roof soffit intersections, inspect them for entry holes. Make repairs, and consider applying metal flashing to prevent further entry.

Roof Rats & Your Yard

Before these rats try to get into your home, they come into your yard. There are many things that can attract a roof rat. Use these tips to deter them.

• The scent of garbage can lure a roof rat from an impressive distance. Keep trash receptacles clean and free of odors.
• Make sure that your trash is bagged and stored in covered containers. It may seem odd to worry about covering trash to keep rats out, but you would be amazed at how these rats can climb and jump their way into trash receptacles.
• Address moisture issues around your home. Moisture attracts bugs and roof rats eat bugs. You can also get control of bugs by investing in a residential pest control program.
• Roof rats need a drink of water. If you have puddles or containers that capture rainwater, you'll lure these rodents to your yard - along with many other pests.
• If you have a dog, your pet's droppings can attract roof rats. While animal feces is not a preferred food source, urban roof rats often take to eating it when food sources are limited.
• Gardens, fruit trees, and berry bushes are an obvious attractant. These are difficult to protect. Our advice is to plant them far from your exterior walls if they haven't already been planted. In some cases, fence structures can be erected to keep rodents out. Just keep in mind that a roof rat can easily climb over a fence. You'll need to have fencing as a roof as well.