Roof Rat Reproduction
Roof rats are prolific breeders. Since they live in warmer regions, they're able to reproduce year-round. The average female gives birth to three or four litters annually, and each litter contains between five to eight roof rat babies.
Baby Roof Rat Damage
Blind and hairless at birth, roof rat babies develop quickly. By the time they're three weeks old, the pests leave the nest to forage for food. A single roof rat baby can contaminate several packages of pantry goods with its fur, urine, and feces. Young are almost impossible to trap until they are at least four weeks old.
After three months, baby roof rats gain complete freedom from their mothers. As adults, they spread diseases, stain walls with grease, and gnaw constantly to file down their ever-growing teeth. When the pests nest in wall voids and chew on wires, they can cause electrical shorts and even fires.
Control
Finding roof rat babies in the house is a sure sign of infestation. Since rodents carry numerous parasites and spread diseases, homeowners should contact the experts at Critter Control as soon as they become aware of roof rat activity.