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Defending Your Home From Roof Rats: Prevention And Control Strategies In San Jose

December 15, 2023 - Rodents

close up of a roof rat

Among mammals, rodents exist in more than 1,500 species, making them the largest single category. Mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents are omnivorous creatures that often reside near humans. Rodents are a significant source of problems for home and business owners throughout the San Jose region. Roof rats or black rats are among the most prevalent types of troublesome rodents in this area.

How should you handle problems with rats inside your home? Because of the likelihood of health risks and property damage, homeowners should immediately seek assistance from pest control professionals. An experienced provider of residential rat control in San Jose is properly equipped to get the job done. That’s where Citra Pest Control comes in. 

Introduction To Roof Rats: Identifying The Common Urban Pest

Roof rats have bodies that range in length from 6 to 8 inches and have hairless tails of approximately the same length. The species has large ears, a pointed nose, and roof rat droppings typically appear black and measure roughly ½ of an inch long with tapered ends. Roof rats are primarily nocturnal and home occupants who experience an intrusion might hear them scurrying around after dark.

Roof Rat Dangers: Health Risks And Property Damage Explained

Rats are scavengers that regularly venture into trash and other filthy areas. Here, rats will likely have exposure to harmful parasites and a host of pathogens.

What are some of the diseases rats carry? Rats are known carriers of several dangerous concerns including salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, tularemia, and others. Those with cats and dogs should also remember that rats pose health risks for pets as well.

What types of property damage might roof rats cause? From the exterior, roof rats might identify small openings in shingles, soffits, eaves, or siding and substantially expand them in order to gain indoor access. Once indoors, rats will contaminate surfaces with their excrement and often ravage fabric, insulation, and other materials used for constructing nests.  

Roof Rat-Proofing Your Roof: Sealing Entry Points And Vulnerabilities

What are some of the best prevention strategies to keep these kinds of rats out of your home? Some of the most effective ways of preventing these critters include:

  • Fill any gaps around openings for utility lines or uncovered vents with galvanized mesh or a similar, durable material.

  • Inspect exterior walls and siding for any openings and fill them with an appropriate sealant.

  • Keep tree branches and taller shrubs trimmed back away from the structure to prevent access to the roof.

Despite adhering to sound preventative measures, some homeowners will still experience intrusions involving roof rats. In these instances, we strongly recommend professional help from one of our Citra Pest Control rodent experts. A trained pest control technician will visit your property to assess the rat problem.  These pros understand how to get rid of rats in homes quickly without compromising safety.

Ready to Get Rid of Roof Rats? Contact Our Experts Today!

What are some of the best home treatment options for homeowners in San Jose to consider? Too many property owners try store-bought rodent control products that generally produce very mediocre results. Some of these options include repellents, snap traps, sticky traps, and others that are insufficient against moderate to severe rodent infestations. The recommended course of action starts by contacting a local pest management professional.

The experts with Citra Pest Control provide safe and effective rat removal services for residents in San Jose. We recognize that rats and other rodents pose health risks and will work diligently to quickly expel them from the premises.

We use various natural product options that are safe for the local environment that we share. At the same time, our team strives to deliver the highest quality customer service. For comprehensive solutions to difficult pest-related concerns, contact our office today.

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