Roof Rats in Central Arkansas
Within the U.S., roof rats are primarily found along the Southeast, and the Pacific coastal states of Washington, Oregon, and California, where they pose a notable pest challenge, where they represent a significant pest concern. These rodents thrive amongst human populations. Upon infiltrating homes, they typically take up residence in attics, eaves, and rooflines. A defining trait of roof rats is their tail, which lacks hair and exceeds the combined length of their head and body, in contrast to many other rat species with shorter, hairy tails.
Roof Rat Habitat
Roof rats favor elevated shelters such as tree canopies, dense shrubs, and climbing vines. Equipped with pads on their feet for improved climbing on narrow vines and branches, they also rely on their tails for balance when scaling great heights. Typically, roof rats embark on food foraging missions shortly after sunset, utilizing trees, utility lines, and fences to access attics, overhead garage storage, woodpiles, and other stored items. Given their nocturnal habits, the rustling noises heard in attics during the night frequently signal a roof rat infestation in households.
Roof Rat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Roof rats are responsible for transmitting numerous diseases, including Salmonella, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. As they search for food, they contaminate human, pet, and livestock food sources. Omnivorous by nature, roof rats consume both plant and animal matter, showing a particular affinity for citrus fruit, pet food, pet waste, birdseed, meat, and grease. They infest storage sheds and BBQ areas, posing a threat to hygiene. In addition to disease transmission, roof rats can cause significant structural damage when nesting in walls and attics. Their habit of chewing on exposed wires can lead to electrical fires within walls.
If you have a roof rat infestation in your Central Arkansas property, always contact a licensed rodent control company.
