Roof rats actually like living outside of the home, as opposed to Norway rats. They are well adapted to this lifestyle, and they are less common in home infestations. However, this does not mean that the rest of your property is safe, especially if the right conditions for an infestation are present in your yard.
Why roof rats are attracted to the yard
Roof rats mainly wander into the yard to find food, but there may be some things that offer them shelter as well. In terms of food, rats will go for gardens, fruit trees, bird feeders and even compost. When it comes to shelter, compost is once again attractive to roof rats, along with trees, tall shrubs and natural clutter.
Preventing outdoor roof rat infestations
Preventing an outdoor infestation can be tougher than preventing an infestation from happening inside the home, simply because there is a lot more open space and many more ways for a roof rat to gain access. However, there are special fencing options that are designed to prevent rodents from gaining access to a property, and you can minimize the number of food sources that could draw in rats. Traps and poisons can also be used preventatively when they are placed around the property. However, you have to be careful when using poisons outdoors, and you may need a permit to do so, depending on your area.
Getting an infestation under control before it’s too late
If you notice any signs that indicate the presence of roof rats in your yard, you want to take action as soon as possible, because it won’t be long until rats enter the home. The best way to deal with such an infestation is with the help of a pest control company. Like with any outdoor prevention effort, controlling outdoor infestations tends to be more difficult because of the open space, so DIY efforts are likely to fall flat. There is also the issue of using poisons outdoors, which can be dangerous and which might require a permit. This is why it’s best to hire a pest control team when dealing with outdoor roof rat infestations.
If you have any questions about how you can keep roof rats out of your yard, or if you currently have a roof rat infestation on your property, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.
