The idea of rats coming into your home is bad enough; now imagine those rats getting in through the roof and coming down into your walls. Unfortunately, if you have a roof rat infestation, that could be exactly what happens. Roof rats are very similar to other rat species when it comes to damaging homes and spreading diseases. However, what sets them apart from other rats is their ability to climb. Roof rats are adept climbers, which means you not only have to worry about them coming through holes in the foundation of your home but via the roof, as well.
Because there are so many ways for roof rats to get into your Denver home, you need to know the preventive measures that you can take to help keep them out, and keep your family safe.
Identifying Roof Rats
Dangers Posed By Roof Rat Infestations
In addition to this, roof rats can spread a multitude of diseases. Not only do they carry diseases themselves, but roof rats can also contaminate surfaces with harmful bacteria and pathogens through their feces, urine, and saliva. Some diseases that roof rats have been known to spread include hantavirus, LCM, Lassa fever, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, plague, salmonellosis, and tularemia.
Roof rats have also been known to carry other parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks. If a roof rat carrying any of these parasites gets into your home, it could then spread these unwanted pests throughout it. Overall, there are numerous reasons you don’t want roof rats to get into your home.
Roof Rat Prevention Tips
When it comes to roof rat prevention, your primary objectives should be to take away any food or water sources that may be attracting them inside and seal off any possible entry points. To accomplish this, you should:
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Fill in any holes around the exterior of your home including under eaves and on the roof.
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Place a cap on the chimney of your home.
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Cover vents with wire mesh or other material to keep rats from getting in.
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Store all food in airtight containers or the refrigerator.
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Take out the trash regularly.
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Store trash in bins with tight-fitting lids.
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Fix any leaky pipes or fixtures in your home.
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Wipe up any spills from floors or countertops immediately.
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Pick up any uneaten pet food after your pet has finished eating.