Hearing quick, light scurrying sounds in your ceiling at night? Finding dark, spindle shaped droppings in your attic or garage? You’re likely dealing with roof rats agile, intelligent rodents that prefer to live high up in attics, trees, and the upper levels of structures.
Unlike their ground dwelling cousins, roof rats are exceptional climbers, making them a persistent problem for Seattle homeowners. AMPM Exterminators specializes in the unique behaviors of roof rats, providing targeted removal and exclusion services to get them out of your home and keep them out for good.
For a Free Roof Rat Inspection, Call: 206 571 7580
Is It a Roof Rat? Key Identification Signs
Roof rats Rattus rattus have distinct characteristics that set them apart:
- Appearance: Sleek, black or dark brown bodies, with a long tail longer than their head and body combined. Large ears and a pointed nose.
- Droppings: About ½ inch long, spindle shaped, and often found concentrated in specific areas.
- Behavior: Excellent climbers that rarely dig. They travel along power lines, tree branches, and roof edges.
- Nests: Prefer elevated locations like attics, soffits, dense ivy, and palm trees in warmer climates.
Why Roof Rats Are Particularly Problematic
1. They Cause Significant Damage:
- Chewed Wires: A major fire hazard in attics and walls.
- Contaminated Insulation: Droppings and urine ruin attic insulation, requiring costly replacement.
- Structural Damage: They gnaw on wood, siding, and PVC pipes to maintain their teeth.
2. They Pose Serious Health Risks:
Roof rats are known carriers of diseases, including:
- Leptospirosis through urine
- Salmonella
- Rat Bite Fever
- They can also introduce fleas and mites into your home.
Why DIY Roof Rat Control Often Fails
Roof rats are wary and intelligent. Common mistakes include:
- Using the Wrong Bait: They prefer fruits, nuts, and grains over the typical peanut butter used for mice.
- Poor Trap Placement: Placing traps on the floor is ineffective. They need to be placed along their aerial runways.
- Incomplete Exclusion: Sealing ground-level entry points misses the high gaps they use, such as roof vents, soffit gaps, and where utility lines enter the house.
Our 3 Step Professional Roof Rat Solution
Step 1: The Aerial Inspection
Our technicians don’t just look at the ground. We perform a top-down inspection:
- Attic & Roof Inspection: We look for entry points, nesting materials, and rub marks along beams.
- Exterior Climbable Route Audit: We identify trees, vines, and fences that provide highway access to your roof.
- Activity Monitoring: We determine their primary food sources and travel paths.
Step 2: Strategic Removal & Sanitation
We use a multifaceted approach for complete elimination:
- High Placed Trapping: We strategically set traps along rafters, roof ledges, and other elevated runways.
- Attractive Baiting: We use specialized baits that appeal to roof rats’ specific dietary preferences.
- Sanitation & Decontamination: We safely clean up droppings and nesting areas to eliminate health hazards and odors, a service detailed on our rat dropping cleanup page.
Step 3: Total Exclusion & Proofing
This is the most critical step. We make your home a fortress against reentry by:
- Sealing High Entry Points: We secure roof vents, soffit gaps, and cracks in the roofline.
- Installing Rodent Proof Vent Covers: We use heavy duty, chew proof materials.
- Trimming Back Branches: We recommend cutting back any tree limbs that overhang or touch your roof.
- Creating a Protective Barrier: We apply treatments to deter reinfestation.
Serving All Seattle Neighborhoods & The Eastside
Roof rats don’t discriminate by zip code. We provide expert removal for homes in:
- Seattle and Bellevue
- Mercer Island and Sammamish
- Kirkland and Redmond
- …and all surrounding communities.
Don’t Let Roof Rats Take Over Your Home
Their intelligence and climbing ability make them a formidable opponent. Effective control requires specialized knowledge and techniques.
Ready to Reclaim Your Attic?
Stop the nighttime noises and protect your home from damage. Contact the local experts who understand roof rat behavior.
Call 206 571 7580 for Your Free Inspection
We’ll identify the problem, explain your treatment options, and give you a clear plan for permanent roof rat removal.
Why Choose AMPM Exterminators?
- Experts in roof rat infestations across Seattle neighborhoods
- Licensed to provide Rat Abatement Services for demolition and construction sites
- Eco-friendly solutions safe for families, pets, and workers