The roof rat is one of the most abundant and destructive pests in Florida. Roof rats consume and destroy stored animal and human food, attack fruit crops, and take up residence in attics, soffits, hollow walls, and out-buildings.

Roof rats got their name because of their tendency to make their nests in high places above ground. Once they have entered your home, they will make their way to the attic, wall spaces and above your ceiling.
Rats are a danger to humans, their pets, and especially citrus farms. They spread disease through their urine and feces and the fleas that have bitten them can then bite you. During the citrus season, they feast on ripened fruit and vegetables. Their immediate removal from your home and property is required.

Roof Rat Control

The idea of rats in your home is not something that should be taken lightly. Call Critter Control and we’ll prepare a roof rat control plan to:

  • Remove the rats from your home
  • ​Disinfect and clean-up damage they caused
  • Replace any ruined attic insulation
  • Repair any wiring, ducts or structure that has been damaged
  • Seal up all entry points to keep them out.

 How to prevent roof rats in South Florida

Since rats carry so many diseases, you should never attempt to remove rats on your own. Only trained professionals, like the ones at Critter Control® , know how to safely and effectively remove your rat infestation for good.

It is highly recommended to never poison rats that have invaded your home as doing so will most likely trade one problem with another one. Poisoned rats will find a safe space, deep inside your walls or attic to curl up and die. Their carcass will smell terrible as the rot and decompose. You could also be killing mothers, leaving their babies to die.

Stay up-to-date on repairs and maintenance

Resolving a rat problem is just as much about preventing it as treating is. Sealing up holes, cracks, or other access points in exterior and interior walls can limit access to your home. Rats can squeeze their bodies through any gap that their heads will fit through, which is often less than an inch in diameter. Keeping your garbage cans tightly closed and eliminating sources of outdoor water will help make your property seem less attractive to rats, as well.

Eliminate roof access

Roof rats are excellent climbers, and will use that skill to find a way into your home. The best way to keep that from happening is to make sure there are no tree branches touching your roof or extending over the top of your house.

Store food appropriately

Using airtight containers to store leftovers and other foods in your kitchen, as well as using heavy-duty trash receptacles will keep rats from using your home as an easy food source. Storing foods in rooms that are not easy for rats to access will further help prevent your home from becoming their all-you-can-eat buffet.

What Can You Do About a Roof Rat Infestation?
If you suspect, you have rodents in your home – even if you have only seen them once or perhaps just the evidence they leave behind – it is always best to call a professional to trap and exterminate them. Rodent removal should always be done by a professional like the ones at Critter Control®. Our experts are trained in not only removing the rodents from your home, but also keeping them out for good.

 
 

Wildlife Control Reviews

Hari Dharam K.
3/22/2023
Our current technician is very good.  He always calls us the day before so we know when he is coming.  He also has done a very good job keeping pocket gophers in check. 
- Espanola, NM 
Maria R.
3/13/2023
Mike did our service today. He was awesome! He addressed and resolved a couple of critter issues we were having. It's really helpful to be reminded when he was coming and texted me when he was on his way. Thank you for the great service!

Service: Rodent Control in Santa Fe
 
Pat S.
3/3/2023
We appreciate that your company was able to rid our property of the squirrel activity that we observed. We were concerned that the squirrels would dig under the foundation of our house (which had happened to a neighbor in our area).

Thank you for doing what you said you would do to eliminate this squirrel activity.

Service: Ground squirrel control in Rio Rancho, NM
Paul C.
3/2/2023
We personally have a bad infestation for a while, Critter Control has been stellar in the customer service/ communication department, We are still working on the infestation but CC has been absolutely above and beyond our expectations with some of our projects hurdles.

Services: Wildlife Control in Philadelphia
Kirk D.
2/16/2023
It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.

Serivces: Wildlife & Rodent Control in San Diego
Estelle R.
2/15/2023
Melinda is a true professional.  She has helped us maintain a "critter-free" home.  Whenever a mole decides to visit our property, she is right on top of it.  Her recommendations about mosquito control made a big difference for my boys to be able to enjoy our backyard.  

Services: Mole Control in St. Louis
Jennifer M.
2/15/2023
We use Critter Control to deter snakes. We haven't seen any since using the monthly service. They are quick to answer questions and explain snake behavior. Also, if any are found they remove them with no extra charge. 

Services: Recurring Snake Control in Destin, FL
Patricia B.
2/11/2023
Have been using for almost 10 years after a record rat invasion. The help I had back then was like a super-helpful friend taking a few weeks to rid me of that invasion. Over the years I have had a few other representatives. They are always nice and helpful. 

Services: Rat Control in Austin, TX
 
Pat S.
2/10/2023
Very informative and very knowledgeable staff in the field. Also they keep you up to date of how things are progressing. 

Services: Wildlife Control in Detroit
Kathy S.
1/19/2023
Knowing my critter control professional & his familiarity with my property, especially when emergency wildlife issues arise.

Services: Wildlife Control in Quad Cities
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal in San Diego
David
5/20/2013
Daniel did a great job pigeon proofing. We have a huge pigeon problem in our neighborhood and the pigeons were roosting in the gutters of my house and my two next door neighbors, who also had nests in their gutters and under their air conditioner. Pigeon poop filled our gutters, and was piled on the outside floor when I bought the house. Since Daniel's pigeon proofing, and my neighbors also pigeon proofing their gutters, fireplace chimney, air conditioners, and removal of nest, I rarely see pigeons any more. Only the lovely native sparrows, robins, vermillion fly catchers, and mourning doves visit our property now.

Service: Bird Control in Albuquerque
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