Roof Rat Removal Burnaby
Roof rats, also known as black rats, are a common urban and suburban pest that can cause damage to property and pose a health risk to humans. These rats are smaller than Norway rats, measuring between 6-8 inches in length (excluding the tail), and have a pointed snout, large ears, and sleek black or dark brown fur.
Signs of a roof rat infestation include:
- Gnaw marks on wires, wood, and other materials
- Droppings, which are about 1/2 inch long and capsule-shaped
- Tracks in dusty areas or along walls
- Nesting materials, such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation
Should I be concerned?
Potential health concerns
Roof rats can be carriers of pathogens such as bubonic plague, typhus, and trichinosis. They carry bacteria and viruses in their systems such as streptococcus pneumoniae, streptobacillus moniliformis, Corynebacterium kutsheri, Pasteurella pneumotropic, and bacillus piriformis. These bacteria and diseases can cause humans to get sick, and some of these are incurable.
What happens if left ignored?
Roof rats reproduce rapidly and can lead to a large infestation; they can spread diseases to you and your family. They will damage your building by chewing on any materials that they can find, and they can contaminate stored foods.
Habitat
Roof rats like to live in cooler regions and urban areas, they can be found living around warehouses, residential buildings, barns, and crop fields. They prefer dry upper levels of buildings, so they are often found in false ceilings, attics and wall cavities
Behaviour
Roof rats are predators and adapt to different micro-habitats. They tend to forage after sunset. If the food cannot be eaten quickly, they will carry it in search of a place to hoard the food to eat later. They are selective feeders, when offered a wide variety of foods the roof rat will only sample small portions of each. This helps them maintain a diverse food supply.
The roof rat is prey to cats and owls, in less urban areas weasels, foxes and coyotes will prey on them. They are fast climbers making it hard for their prey to get them.
Diet
Roof rats will eat seeds, fruits, fungi, stems, leaves, invertebrates, and vertebrates. You can also find them feeding on cows, chicken, cats, and dogs. Their diets consist of a high-water intake. .
Key tips for prevention
Seal up cracks, holes, and screen windows and vents. Keep your tree shrubs trimmed and away from buildings. Clean up food sources and crumbs, and make sure yours and your pets’ food is stored in sealed containers. Remove any outdoor sources of water.
Caution for self-treatment
Rats are overly sensitive to their environments and will often reject new objects being introduced. You may not be able to tell how big the problem is, and you may not be handling it the way these unique situations require. If not dealt with properly, it can lead to a problem that is harder to control
Hire a professional pest service
A Roof Rat infestation poses many health risks and the potential to cause serious damage to your property. And because of their ability to quickly reproduce, their numbers can quickly get out of control. The best thing you can do is hire a professional service to solve your rat problem
Many do it yourself remedies will do little to tackle the mouse population and can lead to recurrent infestations in your home. Depend on a reputable pest service and get rid of your mouse infestation. Call Integral Pest Services for expert advice and guaranteed results.
Guaranteed Pest Control In B.C.
Competitive Pricing
While competitive Burnaby Pest Control is easy to find, its hard to match our quality of service!
Pet & Kid Friendly
We use products safe for your home! Each of our technicians is trained for your families safety!
Money Back Guarantee
We’re confident in our services! If we can’t get your pest’s gone, then your money back guaranteed!