Trapping Roof Rats in the House
Roof rats are agile climbers that scale homes with ease. Unfortunately, this means that few entry points are too high for these pests to reach. An infestation may cause damage to homes, contaminate food, and spread disease. Setting roof rat traps is a popular solution to remove the pests.
Choosing a Roof Rat Trap
Homeowners can look into several trap types, each of which has its benefits and drawbacks.
- Snap Traps - This inexpensive option features a wooden board and spring-loaded bar. While snap traps can be effective, curious children, dogs, and cats may also trigger them. Many snap-style roof rat traps are powerful enough to break fingers.
- Electronic Traps - These roof rat traps use sensors to detect a rodent and deliver an electric shock. Since many models have a cover, they tend to be safer around children and pets. Still, electronic traps can be costly and require homeowners to dispose of the dead rats.
- Live Traps - Some people prefer roof rat traps that capture the pests alive. Users must empty this variety often and take on the risk of interacting with a live rodent. Releasing roof rats can also allow the pests to return or simply shift the problem to a new area.
Homeowners may consider glue boards as well when looking at control options. Most professionals advise against this method, as rats are often strong enough to free themselves. Debris can also get stuck in the adhesive, making these traps less effective in the dusty, disused environments that roof rats prefer.
Problems with Trapping Roof Rats
Because the pests like to stay above the ground, traditional traps set on the floor are rarely effective unless they sit at the exact points where the pests descend to feed. Setting roof rat traps on ledges, in attics, and around other elevated areas works better, but creates a falling hazard for the trapper.
Even more than other home-invading rodents, roof rats tend to avoid new items in their habitat. The pests may take several days to respond to baits and traps or simply change their travel routes to avoid them.
Getting Rid of Roof Rats
While roof rat traps can reduce the pests' numbers, setting them correctly takes experience and patience. Failure to dispose of trapped roof rats promptly can also result in a foul smell and insect problems.
Roof rat traps pose risks to the user as well. When emptying these devices, the trapper must deal with living or dead rodents, which can spread disease. Turn to the wildlife experts at Critter Control for effective roof rat trapping and removal.
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Customer Reviews
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
Full service. Excellent job of extracting raccoon, cleaning all animal waste, sanitizing, and spraying anti-parasitic substance. They closed all potential ports of entry, though the work did not match the vinyl, and it looks kind of tacky. They added blown insulation, which added a lot to the cost. They provide a one year warranty against animal intrusion, with an option to extend the warranty at the end of each one- year period. They were willing to work with me one the price. I will probably extend my warranty, and will definitely use them it the future.
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Chattanooga
I was really impressed by these guys. Got a call within a few hours of making an inquiry. Had a rep out to inspect the situation by the end of the week, and when they laid out the timeline they kept if not exceeded listed times.
Rob, Travis, and Jim were all professional, polite, and courteous and after months of hearing squirrels in my ceiling they are gone and the repair to my flashing looks excellent. Can't recommend these guys enough.
Jeff was incredibly professional and helpful. I'll use them again and would recommend them to anyone.
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Detroit, MI
Critter Control did a great job of evaluating our house for sites of entry after we found bats and a squirrel in our attic. They completed their work promptly and professionally.
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Seattle, WA
We heard some noise from the corner of our house. Concerned that it could be inside we called for an inspection. Jessy arrived as scheduled and conducted a complete inspection of our home. Based on a recording we made he determined we had a tree frog on our roof. I was pleased that we didn’t have any rodent in our house. And his inspection could a few spots I can tighten up around my house. I am very happy with the outcome.
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New Hampshire
We have a vacation home in
Western Mass and haven’t been there much during the pandemic as we live and work in Atlanta, GA. On our most recent visit we noticed that we had some rodent intrusion as well as some un-welcomed wildlife who decided to make our vacation home their home.
We contacted Critter Control and Mr. Cahoon was quick to set up an appointment as we wouldn’t be in town very long. He came out and assessed our issues. He informed us of our options to both eradicate and control future intrusions. Keeping in mind that wildlife is wildlife! He quickly got to work eradicating the rodents and wildlife from our home and addressing the intrusion issues. We feel much better leaving our vacation home for periods at a time knowing that Mr. Cahoon and Critter Control did their job and did it right! Thanks again!
We bought an old cabin last spring , it was used for years as a summer vacation cabin, therefore maintenance wasn’t a priority. After our project to remodel started, we found evidence of
mice droppings.
We immediately called Critter Control and they came and gave us a reasonable estimate to remove all remnants and insulation. They sanitized and replaced with new insulation and sealing up points of entry .
Seeing their professional work made us feel confident and secure that the problem was solved ! Everyone we worked with continued to show professional and respectful work. Highly recommend this company! We continue to use critter control monthly to be sure we are mice and bug free!
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