Risky Rodents and Your Roof: Preventing (or Repairing) Damage Caused by Pests

Central Florida is definitely not known for being "friendly" to your home's roof. Relentless sun  exposure through most of the year, heavy rainfall during our "wet" season, and the annual risk of hurricanes are just a few of the many ways your roof can sustain damage over time. However, there is another risk to your roof that is year-round, yet little is known about it, so few homeowners are prepared to protect themselves and their roof. This risk goes up during cooler temperatures (like what we've had recently) and the culprit just might shock you. 

We are talking about rodents. Specifically, we are talking about Roof Rats, also known as Palm Rats, Black Rats,Ship Rats, or House Rats. Not only are they a nuisance, disease-carrying species, but they are one of the leading rodent pests in Florida, and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to people's homes each year. How? 

Well, first you have to understand a little about the lifestyle of this rat. Unlike some of their relatives who prefer ground-level living, or even below ground hiding places (like sewers), roof rats prefer to spend their days up in the trees, hence the name "Palm Rats.” Fruit is their primary food source, and since Florida is plentiful in fruits of all kinds, they rarely go hungry. Because of this, they are a year-round problem here in the greater Polk County area, with our own nearby city of Tampa being named as one of the top cities in the US with roof rat infestations in recent years. 

So, what should you expect when it comes to roof rat damage, and how can you protect yourself? Roof rats can fit through spaces you wouldn't expect, sometimes as small as 1/2 inch diameter (depending on the size of the rat of course). This means they can sneak into attic spaces and set up their home, destroying HVAC ductwork, wires, cables, and insulation in the process. If they can't find a pre-existing space to fit through and gain access to your home, they can chew their way in, leaving your roof vulnerable to the elements and presenting secondary issues like water damage, further infestation of other pests, etc. Once you have roof rats, getting rid of them is a costly and lengthy process, requiring the help of professionals in most cases. The best way to prevent roof rats in the first place is by taking the following measures: 

Keep all trees and shrubs trimmed back away from the perimeter of your home. Trees with branches extending over, or nearly touching, your roofline are the primary way that rats (and other creatures) gain access to your roof. Take away their opportunity! Stay vigilant when you are in your attic. Watch for any signs of things being amiss, such as rodent feces, insulation being strewn in places it doesn't belong, items in your attic being chewed, and so forth. By catching signs of activity early, you can potentially get help before the infestation becomes severe. Invest in routine roof inspections by a professional. Semi-annually, or at the very least, annually, invest in a thorough roof inspection by a local professional. Roofing contractors will know exactly what to look for, and can spot the telltale signs of rodent activity that others would miss. They can help you formulate a plan of action if they do find evidence of roof rats, and can help repair damage caused by the unwelcome pests, so you don't end up with expensive secondary damage. Polk County residents trust EZ Roofing Systems for ALL their roofing needs, from inspections and repairs, to full roof replacements. We are proud to offer personalized customer service, and free quotes, so give us a call and see how we can help keep you covered...literally!