Central Florida doesn’t usually experience cold weather, and that leaves all of us scrambling when the temps drop. Finding jackets, hats, boots, blankets, and the button for the heater are all rare needs for Florida residents, and can be a bit of a hassle when you’re not accustomed to having them as part of your routine! It’s important to note that cool temperatures aren’t just unusual for people…critters feel the cold too, and that can leave some of them running directly for YOUR home to find shelter. While this isn’t a problem if the animal in question is your dog or cat, but what about other creatures that try to take advantage of the warm spaces in and around your home?
Roof Rats are one such creature. Also known as Palm Rats, Black Rats, Ship Rats, or House Rats, they are pretty much what you’d picture when you hear the word “rat” and aren’t exactly the cute, furry friend you want to find in your attic or garage. 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. While they’re usually content to hang out in the trees and only use your roof as a bridge to get from one high point to another, they can, and do, sneak into people’s homes frequently. Whether for nesting or hiding purposes, or for warmth in cooler temperatures, they can accomplish an expensive amount of destruction in a short amount of time.
So, what should you expect when it comes to roof rat damage, and how can you protect yourself? Roof rats can fit through very small spaces, sometimes as small as 1/2 inch diameter (depending on the size of the rat of course). This means they can sneak into pipes, ducts that vent outdoors, or poorly sealed areas. Once in, they’re skilled in 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, so prevention is best. The best way to prevent roof rats 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.
These cool temperatures are the perfect time to call for a roof inspection. Not only will your roofer thank you (those shingles are HOT during the summer!) but you’ll also have a better chance of catching rodent damage before it becomes severe and/or has time to lead to further damage inside your roof. If we see any signs of rodent activity, we will alert you immediately, so you can get your pest control team on site and on top of the issue as soon as possible. We will also thoroughly examine your roof for any potential entrance points, any existing damage, and any areas of concern that need attention. Once we give you a detailed report of our findings, we discuss available options and work with you to come to the best solution for your home and your situation. Our expert team of roofing contractors have a reputation of reliability and honesty. We make roof replacements and repairs “EZ” every time!