Studies show the population of roof rats has grown exponentially over the past 15 years. The majority of this increase took place around Florida, meaning homeowners in The Villages have even more pest stressors to worry about.

Thankfully, roof rat prevention can be done with the right prevention steps and professional control methods. That’s why Bertram Pest Solutions wrote this guide: to empower local homeowners to protect their homes from the inside out.

First, we provide an introduction to roof rats so you know how to identify them correctly. Then, we explore the damages they cause and jump into prevention tips you can put into action.

Looking for immediate relief? We also explain how Bertram Pest Solutions performs roof rat control in The Villages.

Introduction To Roof Rats: Identifying The Common Urban Pest

Roof rats are a type of Florida rodent becoming increasingly prevalent in The Villages. Sometimes referred to as ship rats or black rats, this once-invasive species has become endemic to the area.

There are a few ways to identify roof rats around the house:

• Droppings: These are pointed on both ends and roughly 1/2 an inch long.

• Gnaw marks: Look for tooth marks on walls, baseboards, and food packaging.

• Physical appearance: Roof rats are six to eight inches long with black fur, scaly tails, and pointed snouts.

If you think or know you spot a roof rat in your house, you need to contact Bertram Pest Solutions for professionalrodent control.

All The Damages That Roof Rats Can Cause To Your Home

Like other types of rodents, roof rats pose many dangers to homeowners. There are three in particular we’re going to cover here: physical, financial, and mental.

Physical damages include the roof rat’s ability to spread disease, including rat-bite fever and salmonellosis. Treating these illnesses may require significant medical attention and cost a significant amount of money.

This idea leads to the financial damages of roof rats, which encompass a great deal of property damage. A rodent infestation can even reduce the value of your home, meaning it becomes harder to get a return on your investment.

Mental damages are exactly what they sound like, causing stress, anxiety, and embarrassment for homeowners. You may find it stressful to invite others to the house or worry about what your neighbors will think.

The best way to prevent these fears from coming true is to rat-proof your home with effective prevention steps. Let’s take a look at some common tips you can put into action right away.

Roof Rat-Proofing Your Roof: Sealing Entry Points And Vulnerabilities

If you don’t yet have a roof rat infestation, you can use the following tips to defend your property:

• Seal up cracks and gaps around the home

• Store your food in airtight bins and containers

• Repair any clogged drains and leaky pipes

If you do currently have a roof rat infestation, you need to contact Bertram Pest Solutions for support.

Getting Rid Of Roof Rats For Good

Bertram Pest Solutions offers everything you need to navigate the roof rat removal process. We’ve offered rodent exterminationfor many years and would be glad to support your home in The Villages.

First, we inspect your home for signs of roof rats. Then, we enact a plan that can help. No need to worry about health and wellness; we offer eco-friendly pest control products whenever possible.

Put your home into the capable hands of Bertram Pest Solutions. We’re here to assist with a free inspection as soon as you make the call.