Roof Rats in the House: Entry, Damage, and Removal

How Do Roof Rats Get in the House?

Roof rats climb trees with ease and can scamper up siding onto roofs in a matter of minutes. From there, the pests have their pick of ways to get indoors, including chimneys, attic vents, and gaps in roofing. Holes no larger than a quarter can be big enough to let a roof rat in the house.

Where Do Roof Rats Live Indoors?

Tight, elevated spaces like attics, wall voids, false ceilings, and tall cabinets are favorite nesting spots for roof rats in the house. People may even spot these agile pests traveling along roof beams or dropping down into kitchens and living areas in search of food.

Dangers & Damage

Roof rats in houses frustrate residents in many ways, including:

Leaving greasy rub marks on walls and surfaces
Creating foul smells with their filthy nests and scattered droppings
Making loud scratching and squeaking sounds in walls at night

In addition, roof rats in the home can pose more serious health and safety issues:

Disease – Roof rat droppings and urine often carry bacteria harmful to humans. Coming in contact with these germs may cause salmonellosis or other ailments. Fleas and ticks in the pests’ fur spread plague and murine typhus as well.
Damage – Like all rodents, these pests have the constant urge to gnaw. Roof rats in houses are often responsible for teeth marks and splintered edges on wood trim, furniture, and support beams.
Danger – The pests’ gnawing behavior can also present some dangers to residents. Roof rats love to chew wires in walls and electronics, which can cause power shorts or even house fires.

Get Rid of Roof Rats
Because of the risks posed by their presence, roof rats in homes are unsafe. Putting off removal not only creates a greater chance of disease and damage, but it also gives these quick-breeding rodents time to spread throughout the house. Call Critter Control at the first sign of roof rat trouble.

Get them out.
Keep them out.®

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   Sara James 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sam did a ton of work on our house when we bought it as a preventative measure against any pests, as the house was not new. We wanted to be sure no mice, bats or other pests could get in. He did all our critter control at our prior house in 2022 so we had him pest proof our next house in 2026. He is the kindest man, knowledgeable and efficient. 100% recommend. You’re buying pest control and peace of mind.
  
 
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   Peggy Protko 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was concerned that there might be squirrels in my attic. Alex did a complete and thorough inspection of the residential premises, and I am happy to report that he found no such evidence. Alex’s service was very thorough and professional, as well as honest. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to others.
  
 
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   Don Hemmer 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We interviewed 3 companies to evict the squirrels from our attic.  Critter Control was, by far, the least expensive.   Their promptness and attention to detail was A+.  Brandon from Critter Control provided daily reports about the process.  Brandon was the star of the show but we enjoyed working with everyone from Critter Control.

Thanks

Don and Julie
  
 
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   Adrienne Numbers 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh was awesome! We had a critter stuck in our fireplace, and he took his time figuring out the best way to handle the situation. He was creative with his solutions, explained what he was going to do, and made sure we understood the process. He was also just a genuinely great person to work with!

As a new homeowner, it was nice to have someone who was patient, knowledgeable, and willing to take the time to get the job done right. He never made us feel rushed, and you could tell he really cared about helping us.

Critter Control, you have a great employee in Josh! I hope he gets the recognition he deserves because he did an amazing job. I would absolutely recommend Critter Control, and if we ever have another issue, I will definitely be asking for Josh again!
  
 
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   Shirley Johnson 
 30 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gave me back "sweet, peace of mind being in my home.
  
 
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   Katie Coomes 
 29 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Critter Control was very responsive, thorough and finished everything quickly. I appreciate the work of Justin and Steven!
  
 
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   T James 
 29 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Luis who helped repair multiple woodpecker holes on our house. He was thorough and professional. Highly recommends him.
  
 
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   Susanne Abrams 
 29 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Critter Control helped so much with a very difficult pest situation. Throughout the time period , they expertly communicated and scheduled daily service when necessary to get this problem under control. I am so grateful for their kindness and understanding to our specific needs. I will definitely continue to call on them in the future and recommend them to others who are experiencing critter problems.
  
 
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   Nancy Pippenger 
 29 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice job....very personable installers. Answered all my questions!
  
 
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   Bobby Cox 
 29 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ashton was a great communicator, quick with his work and very courteous.