Roof Rat Nests

Here s how homeowners can help prevent roof rat infestations.

Roof rat nests.

Nesting areas unlike other rat species roof rats are also good climbers and build nests above ground not underground in burrows. They also gather twigs grass and other plants in yards. First and foremost seeing. Not only are roof rat nests unsightly they can also be dangerous.

Roof rats are also capable of making nests on top of trees. How do roof rats make nests. Roof rats live in colonies and. Common species like norway and roof rats make their way into residences warehouses sewers barns and stores by living in close proximity to people.

These rodents can get to the roof from the branches of trees. At the same time they also love cabinets stacks of boxes or piles of wood surrounded by dense shrubs. Like squirrels they enter homes and are found in attics. They will nest in trees attics voids along the roof line and in ceilings.

I have seen rats nests in walls chimneys vents attics under eaves crawlspaces and a myriad of other places. There are many key indicators of a roof rat infestation in the home. The dead fronds of thick palm trees thick vegetation that grows over fences and utility lines. Roof rats prefer to build their nests and live in dense cover and shadows of thick shrubbery vine covered trees power lines and fences.

They forage for food in small groups of up to ten. Rats typically nest in urban or suburban areas if access to food water and shelter can be acquired. In late fall roof rats seek out warm nesting sites like the upper levels of your home or garage. Indoors roof rats like to build nests in the upper areas of the home where it s kept warm by rising heat.

Outdoors you can find roof rats nesting in trees shrubs wood piles and dense vegetation. To prevent a roof rats from nesting in your home make sure that all windows and vents are screened. Trim all tree branches to further prevent. In the absence of norway rats or if their population grows they can be found in burrows or piles of rocks.

Roof rats are primarily nocturnal and thrive in cool weather. Roof rats signs of an infestation. Some other common outdoor nest locations include the following places. Roof rats shred paper fabric and insulation to build their nests.

They ruin insulation by chewing it matting it down and peeing and crapping all over it. Becoming sexually mature in a matter of months roof rats typically have five to eight pups per litter and four to six litters per year. They like sheltered and covered environs such as a dense forest with luscious greenery and numerous fruit trees.