Roof Rats in Your Memphis Home? Coopertown Can Help With Your Wildlife Removal Needs
Discovering roof rats in your Memphis home can be a stressful experience. These unwelcome pests pose health risks when not handled appropriately and can cause considerable damage to your property as well. So…what’s the best way to send them packing?
Simple – call on us. Coopertown Services is here to provide expert wildlife removal solutions in Memphis and its many surrounding areas. We’ll ensure your home is safer, more secure, and completely free of rats and other wildlife.
Call today or reach out online now to set up your next appointment.
Are Coopertown’s Roof Rat Removal Methods Humane?
Absolutely. Animal safety and appropriate relocation efforts are a big priority for us, which is why we use live trapping techniques and exclusion methods that never bring harm to the critters we’re capturing.
This especially applies when we find roof rat moms and their babies. We do everything we can to keep wildlife families together and put them in a safer environment that’s more suitable to their needs. In the end, we want everyone – both the animals and the homeowners – to be happy with the end result.
We Warranty Our Work With a Money-Back Guarantee
Our animal removal services are meant to be both humane and permanent. Our services come with a written, money-back guarantee that all animals are officially removed from your premises. We also offer a one-year warranty against re-entry if they come back through a spot we’ve previously sealed.
Interested in a maintenance plan? We offer those, too, and we’d be happy to speak to you about your options.
What Humane Methods Does Coopertown Use to Remove Roof Rats?
All of our wildlife removal services can vary based on each homeowner’s unique setup, as well as the extent of the problem. That said, our roof rat wildlife removal services typically go like this:
- Inspection: Inspecting your property is the first place to start. We need to know where the problem lies (and how big the problem is), so we can form the best plan to tackle it.
- Exclusion: Once we know what animals we’re dealing with, how many there are, and how they’re getting in, we’ll set up humane ways to get them out – usually in the form of one-way doors or non-harmful trapping systems.
- Observe: Next up, we need to make sure all the roof rats (or other critters) are out, which may require a few days of observation, depending on the extent of your problem.
- Seal: Are all the critters out? Great! Now, it’s time to ensure they can’t get back in. We’ll seal all entry points with materials that are reliable and designed to keep them out for good.
- Clean: Now, once all the animals are out, we won’t just leave you high and dry with a big mess to clean up. We take care to clean and sanitize your space, so you don’t have to deal with stains or droppings (or any of the diseases they carry with them).
- Repair: We can also help in repairing any damage left behind by the roof rats, such as torn-up insulation, chewed-up wiring, or wood stains and rotting.
- Educate: Questions for us? We’d love to answer them, as well as provide personalized advice for avoiding infestations and invasions down the line.
Ready to get your wildlife removal needs addressed in Memphis or anywhere else nearby? We’re here to help. Call or schedule something online with us today.
How Do I Know If I Have Roof Rats in My Home?
Here are some signs that indicate you may have roof rats in your home:
- Droppings: Roof rat droppings are one of the most common signs of infestation. They are typically dark brown or black in color, cylindrical in shape, and about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long. You may find droppings in areas where roof rats frequent, such as along baseboards, in cabinets, or in attics.
- Gnaw Marks: Roof rats have a habit of gnawing on objects, including wires, insulation, wood, and plastic. Look for gnaw marks on electrical wiring, food packaging, or wooden structures in your home.
- Scratching Noises: Roof rats are active at night, so you may hear scratching or scampering noises as they move around in walls, ceilings, or attics.
- Nesting Materials: Roof rats build nests using a variety of materials, including shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and plant matter. Check for signs of nesting materials in secluded areas such as attics, crawlspaces, or behind appliances.
- Rub Marks: Roof rats have oily fur, which can leave greasy smudges or rub marks along walls, baseboards, and rafters as they travel along their regular routes.
- Missing Food: Roof rats are scavengers and will raid food sources in your home, including pet food, pantry items, and stored grains. Look for signs of food packaging that has been chewed or gnawed open.
- Odd Pet Behavior: If you have pets, they may exhibit unusual behavior such as staring intently at walls or ceilings, pawing at hidden spaces, or becoming agitated for no apparent reason. This could be a sign that they sense the presence of roof rats.
- Visible Sightings: While roof rats are primarily nocturnal and tend to avoid human contact, you may occasionally spot them during the day, especially if the infestation is severe. Look for signs of rats running along wires, fences, or tree branches near your home.
If you notice any of these signs, act promptly and get on the phone with our experts to set up an inspection. We’ll get to the bottom of your infestation and get it taken care of as quickly as possible, so you can get your household back to normal.
Dial our number or reach out online to get started.
How To Prevent Roof Rats From Coming Back
We’ve come to your home, we’ve gotten your roof rats out, and we’ve sealed up entry points…now what? Well, at this point, you should be all set in terms of avoiding another infestation down the line. Our experts know their stuff, and rest assured, we’ll seal up entry points nice and tight, so that you don’t have to deal with them again anytime soon.
That said, if you still want to take some extra precautions to keep roof rats (and any other agile critters) from entering your home, here are some solid recommendations:
- Trim Trees & Shrubs: Roof rats are skilled climbers and can use tree branches and shrubs to access your roof and attic. Trim back tree limbs and vegetation that are close to your home, especially those that overhang your roof or provide easy access to upper floors.
- Secure Outdoor Food Sources: Keep outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed with lids, and avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outdoors, as these can attract roof rats. Also, do your best to clean up any fallen fruit or nuts from trees – and remove clutter from your yard that could provide hiding spots for rats.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Roof rats are attracted to sources of food, water, and shelter. Keep your home and property clean and free of clutter, especially in areas where rats are likely to nest, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Sweep up food crumbs, store food in airtight containers, and regularly clean up spills and messes.
- Monitor & Maintain: Regularly inspect your home and property for signs of roof rat activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials. Take immediate action to address any issues and prevent infestations from becoming established.
Suspect you have a pest in your home? We’re here to help. Call or book online now.
Are There Any Legal Considerations for Roof Rat Removal?
Roof rats in Tennessee fall under pest control and wildlife management laws, which means there are certain steps and precautions that must be taken during their removal process.
Tennessee encourages humane treatment of wildlife. Live trapping and relocation of roof rats, when feasible, should be conducted in a manner that minimizes stress and harm to the animals. In addition, relocation without a permit is not permitted due to the potential spread of disease or other ecological concerns.
In addition, roof rat removal must comply with health and safety regulations. This includes proper disposal of dead rats and contaminated materials to prevent the spread of disease.
To ensure the safest removal process possible, for both your household and the critters themselves, we recommend calling us in from the very start. We’ll get the job done right, ensuring all appropriate protocols and regulations are adhered to in the process.
Call or reach out online now.
What Should I Do if I Find a Baby Roof Rat?
Finding a baby roof rat (or multiple babies) can be concerning, but it’s important to handle the situation carefully and responsibly. We recommend observing the situation from a distance for some time to see if a mother returns. Roof rats are typically good mothers and will retrieve their young if given the chance.
If the baby roof rat(s) appears injured, sick, or orphaned, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal rescue organization for guidance. They can provide advice on how to safely care for the rat or may be able to take it in for rehabilitation.
Then, take steps to prevent future encounters with roof rats by implementing pest control measures, such as sealing off entry points to your home, securing food sources, and maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment.
Are Roof Rats Dangerous?
They certainly can be when not handled appropriately. Here are some risks that come with roof rat interactions:
- Disease Transmission: Roof rats can carry and transmit various diseases to humans, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. These diseases can spread through their urine, droppings, bites, or by contaminating food and water sources.
- Property Damage: Roof rats have strong teeth that can gnaw through various materials, including wood, electrical wiring, and insulation. This can lead to significant structural damage and increase the risk of electrical fires.
- Food Contamination: Roof rats can contaminate food stored in your home by urinating and defecating on the food itself, as well as food preparation surfaces.
- Breeding & Infestation: Roof rats reproduce quickly. A small number of rats can rapidly turn into a large infestation, making them difficult to control and increasing the risks they pose.
- Allergic Reactions: Roof rats’ dander, droppings, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals or those with existing respiratory issues..
In the end, trying to handle infestation issues on your own isn’t worth the risk you could face if things go south. Let us handle it, to ensure your home is free of roof rats and any potential contaminants they carry in with them.
Roof Rat Facts & FAQs
What do roof rats like to eat?
A: Roof rats are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including fruits, grains, nuts, and insects. They are also known to scavenge for food in garbage cans and compost piles. Like raccoons, they aren’t very particular about their diet.
Where do roof rats typically live?
A: Roof rats prefer to live in warm, elevated areas such as attics, rafters, and upper stories of buildings. They are also commonly found in dense vegetation and trees, where they can easily find food and shelter.
Are roof rats the same as Norway rats?
A: No, roof rats and Norway rats are different species of rats. While both are common urban pests, they have different habits and characteristics. Roof rats are typically smaller and more agile climbers than Norway rats.
Do roof rats hibernate?
A: No, roof rats do not hibernate. They are active year-round and will continue to seek shelter and food, especially during colder months.
What’s the difference between common rats and roof rats?
A: Roof rats, also known as black rats, typically inhabit higher areas like roofs and trees, and are more agile climbers compared to common rats, which are larger and more ground-dwelling. Roof rats also have slimmer bodies, larger ears, and longer tails (relative to their body length) than common rats.
Call Us Out for Roof Rat & Wildlife Removal in Memphis & More
Don’t let roof rats compromise the safety and comfort of your Memphis home. Trust the professionals at Coopertown Services to deliver comprehensive and humane wildlife removal solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards a pest-free home. With Coopertown Services, you can rest easy knowing your wildlife removal needs are in capable hands.
Just because they’re kinda cute doesn’t mean you want to live with raccoons in your home. Call our wildlife removal pros to make sure they are not invading your space.