Inspecting roof rat.
How many roof rats in a colony.
That being said there are some ways to make an estimate about the size of a rat colony.
Roof rats can also enter openings in walls eaves and roof from the branches of trees.
If you pull the tail back over the body it will reach over its head.
Habitat roof rats live in colonies and prefer to nest in the upper parts of buildings.
To prevent a roof rat colony from nesting in your home make sure that all the windows and vents are screened.
Roof rats live in colonies and even forage in small groups of ten or so.
There are often many nests in close proximity to each other that form a social colony.
Because the pests are nocturnal and tend to nest overhead infestations can be difficult to spot.
The fur of roof rat is smooth while the fur of the norway rat is rough and shaggy.
Being excellent climbers they can easily access any part of the house through pipelines wires blocks of brick or concrete or even branches of tall trees.
The size of a colony can be on the order of 100 rats if sufficient food is present to support the population.
Roof rats will nest in hard to reach places such as underground burrows crawlspaces basements and sewers.
Where are nests located.
To make an ideal home roof rats need food water and a cozy nesting site so clean out wood piles rake up fallen vegetation and fruit and do not leave pet food or water outside especially overnight.
Both norway rats and roof rats use nests to hide and raise their young.
Trim all tree branches to further prevent entry.
The roof rat is very adaptable to many environmental conditions.
How to prevent a roof rat infestation.
To start effective control as soon as possible keep an eye out for signs of roof rats in homes.
A typical rats nest will be home to about 5 to 10 rats.
To prevent rats from entering your home seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter.
They live in colonies with an alpha or dominant male.
Roof rats only live up to one year but have the ability to produce as many as 40 new offspring during their lifetime.
The adult roof rat is about 7 10 inches long and weighs about 5 9 ounces.
