⚠️ IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

How to Get Rid of Roof Rat? Risks, Prevention Tips & What to Know

Learn how to get rid of roof rats, understand the risks they pose, and discover effective prevention tips to protect your home. Essential info for homeowners.

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Roof Rat

Reviewed by Daniel Brady

CEO at AnchorPest Services

Updated July, 25

How to Identify Roof Rat

Learn to spot roof rats by their slender bodies, large ears, pointed noses, and long tails. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nests.

📏 Overall Size & Shape

⚠️ Active infestation

🎨 Covering & Coloration

Grayish-black to brown above, pale below

🦵 Appendages

⚠️ Chewing damage observed

👁️ Head & Sensory Organs

⚠️ Rodent pathways identified

🦷 Mouthparts & Feeding

⚠️ Nesting activity detected

🔎 Distinctive Marks or Tools

⚠️ Rodent movement evidence

Key Distinguishing Features

  • Burrows: Rarely burrow; prefer nesting above ground in trees, attics, or roof spaces
  • Behaviour: Agile climbers, active at night, more curious and less cautious than Norway rats
  • Habitat: Prefer elevated areas such as roofs, rafters, and upper floors
  • Diet: Omnivorous but prefer fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables

Quick Size Comparison

About the size of a chipmunk but with a longer, slender tail.

Are You Seeing These Warning Signs?

If you notice ANY of these signs, you likely have an active Roof Rat infestation. Time is critical - contact us immediately.

URGENT

⚠️ Active infestation

Strange scratching sounds at night

Immediate professional assessment required

URGENT

⚠️ Roof rat presence detected

Droppings with pointed ends

Immediate professional assessment required

URGENT

⚠️ Chewing damage observed

Gnaw marks on wires or wood

Immediate professional assessment required

URGENT

⚠️ Rodent pathways identified

Greasy rub marks along walls or rafters

Immediate professional assessment required

URGENT

⚠️ Nesting activity detected

Nests made of shredded materials found in attics or upper levels.

Immediate professional assessment required

URGENT

⚠️ Rodent movement evidence

Footprints or tail drag marks in dusty areas

Immediate professional assessment required

Spotted Any of These Signs?

Don't risk your family's health. Our certified technicians can be at your property within 24 hours.

Serious Health Risks to Your Family

Pests can seriously harm you and your loved ones. Don't gamble with your family's health.

Salmonella Poisoning

Dehydration, septicemia

Onset: Within 6 to 72 hours

Leptospirosis

Respiratory failure, death

Onset: 5 to 14 days (range: 2 to 30 days)

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Respiratory failure, death

Onset: 1 to 5 weeks after exposure

Rat-bite Fever

Sepsis, joint inflammation

Onset: 3–10 days after exposure

Allergic Reactions

Anaphylaxis, airway obstruction

Onset: Within minutes to a few hours

Plague

Septicemia, organ failure

Onset: Within 2 to 6 days

Protect Your Family Today

Professional pest control eliminates health risks immediately. Our safe, effective treatments protect your loved ones from dangerous diseases.

Why DIY Methods Always Fail

Save yourself time, money, and frustration. Here's why store-bought solutions don't work:

Seal entry points

Problem: Rats can create new entry points or find alternative routes
Result: Infestation persists despite sealing efforts

Remove food sources

Problem: Roof rats are highly adaptable and can find alternative food sources nearby, such as neighbors’ trash or pet food.

Result: Removing food sources may reduce activity temporarily, but it does not eliminate the infestation.

Ultrasonic pest repellents

Problem: Ultrasonic waves do not penetrate walls or reach hidden nesting areas
Result: Many rats remain unaffected and infestation continues

Peppermint oil deterrent

Problem: Peppermint oil scent fades quickly and rats become accustomed to it
Result: Ineffective long-term control, rats return once scent dissipates

Stop Wasting Time and Money

The average homeowner spends $200+ on failed DIY attempts before calling professionals. Meanwhile, the infestation grows worse.

Professional Solution That Actually Works

Our certified technicians eliminate pest infestations completely and permanently.
Here's what you get:

🔍

Immediate Assessment

Trained experts identify entry points and nesting areas

🛡️

Safe Treatment

Pet and family-friendly methods used

🎯

Complete Elimination

Targets entire colony, not just visible insects or rodents

📋

Prevention Plan

Long-term exclusion strategies

🧽

Health Protection

Proper cleanup and sanitization

Guarantee

Service warranty and follow-up visits

Our 3-Step Elimination Process

🔍

1. Immediate Inspection

Complete property assessment within 24 hours

🎯

2. Targeted Elimination

Safe, effective treatment of entire colony

🛡️

3. Prevention Plan

Long-term exclusion and monitoring

Ready to Solve This Problem Forever?

Join thousands of satisfied customers who chose professional pest control.
100% satisfaction guarantee.

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Professional pest control eliminates health risks immediately. Our safe, effective treatments protect your loved ones from dangerous diseases.