Are You Concerned You May Have Rats in Your Attic?
Are you worried you have rats, mice or other small rodents in your Los Angeles County or Orange County home or attic? In Southern California, mice are more prevalent in rural areas, so you are most likely seeing a juvenile rat or a black rat / roof rat in your home. Check out our top tips for spotting signs of a rat infestation below.
What You Need to Know About California Black Rats & Roof Rats
Black Rats, commonly known as Roof Rats, found in San Dimas, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities are fantastic climbers. They can take advantage of an overhanging tree, a patio cover, power lines, utility lines or even the ruff stucco and climb straight up the wall to get into your attic.
Once they gain entry into your attic, rats will begin to take up harborage. That harborage can consist of breeding and nesting, gnawing, and digging, eating and play. These activities can cause some commotion and make some noises. Scratching, digging, and ‘walking’ or ‘running’ sounds along the celling areas are the standard indications.
SIGNS YOU HAVE ROOF RATS IN YOUR ATTIC
Discovering rodent activity sooner, rather than later, can save on possible service costs and structure or utility damage.
Indications You Have a Rat Problem
Dead Rat Smell
Consistent and Regular Sounds
Stains in Ceiling Areas
Urine odor
A Plumbing Leak or Electrical Failure
LISTEN FOR RODENT SOUNDS TO SPOT A RAT INFESTATION
‘Sounds’ can be deceiving, depending on your insulation. Good batt insulation will muffle the sounds and may mask them altogether and hide activity until it becomes sever. Blown-in insulation offers less of a barrier between the rat and the ceiling drywall.
RODENT DAMAGE TO DUCT WORK
Rodent related damage to duct work is a major sign and poses a health risk. Seeing pieces of insulation inside any air grate is a major sign that the duct work is damaged, and the a/c and heater should be turned off until a repairs and service done. Once rats entered the ducting of the HVAC, the system is quickly contaminated with rat feces and urine.
AN ACTUAL RAT SIGHTING in YOUR HOME!
Of course, seeing a rat at any time inside your home is the biggest red flag of them all. What to do? If you are capable and willing, get in that attic and have a look. Please take precautions to wear the proper PPE.
Once in the attic the obvious signs are rat droppings and track marks. If you have blown in insulation, then ‘holes’ will be made in the insulation like snow. Once confirmed, at least have a free inspection done by a professional rodent control technician so that a small problem does not turn into a big one. If you are not ready to get in your attic, call that pro in for an inspection and for some solid answers.