Critters are often found in ceilings, under the floor and seldom-used cabinets. One of the most unwanted inhabitants found in the ceilings of Atlanta roofing are rats, which pose both health and safety hazard. They are known to transmit diseases, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever and plague. They also contaminate household food and water.

Wirings and house insulation are not safe from rodents, which gnaw on them, and therefore, expose your house to fire hazard. The best way to eliminate the danger posed by rodents is to prevent them from taking up residence in your ceiling. However, if critters have already migrated to your house and living under your roof, the ideal method to deal with them is through the use of traps.

Snap Traps

One of the most common methods employed by households to control rodent infestation are snap traps. Snap traps are very effective against roof rats and are recommended for indoor use. To attract rats into the trap, use food baits such as fruit, nuts and peanut butter. Place traps along paths usually travelled by rats. To catch roof rats, which prefer to travel off the ground, you can fix a trap along the horizontal pole of chain-link fences.

Glue Traps

These are made of either paper or vinyl and coated with thick adhesive on top. When rats walk over a glue trap, their feet get stuck to the glue rendering them immobile. Most of the time the struggling rat ends up having its face and body stuck to the adhesive, causing its death. These traps are scented with aromatic compounds to attract rodents.

Inspect the infested area and place the glue rats along the walls since rats prefer to travel near walls. Put the traps in those places where rodent activity is highest.

Electronic Traps

As the name implies, this type of trap electrocutes the rat that enters the box. These are battery-powered traps and disposable, so there is no need for you to remove the rat inside. The product is available to accommodate different rat and mice sizes. Because of its design, this type of trap is more expensive than the common snap trap.

General Trap Use Guidelines

Whatever type of trap you may be using, the number-one rule in using traps is to place plenty of them. Rat population is normally higher than your expectations, so you will be needing a lot more traps than anticipated. Position multiple traps to maximize area coverage and increase the chances of rats crossing over them. Since rats are suspicious of new objects, place unset traps to make them familiar to rats.

Critters living in the ceiling of your Tampa roofing will likely cause damage to your house. A more serious risk is the threat that they pose to the health of your family. There are several ways to keep your roof and ceiling free from rodents and other unwanted critters. We listed the most effective and mentioned those that are not proven to work.

Habitat Modification

Rats are found to be sensitive to changes in their environment. They could move elsewhere and do their activities in other areas by introducing modifications or changes in their habitat. One of the best ways to affect habitat modification is through general sanitation.

• Do not leave food in the open.
• Store garbage in rodent-proof plastic containers.
• Place materials properly.
• Remove food and water sources, including birdfeeders, pet foods and water. Rats require water source, especially during hot weather.

Roof rats travel from one house to another using branches, vines, fences and wires. Drastically reduce their mobility by eliminating these aerial pathways.

• Trim shrubs and bushes that they can use to hide.
• Remove ground plants that reach at least one foot high.
• Prune crowns of palm trees and remove dead leaves.
• Trim the branches so that they do not reach down to the ground.

Exclusion

One of the most effective methods to prevent rats from entering your house and residing in your ceiling is by blocking their points of entry to your home. This is called the exclusion method.

Rodents enter houses through every possible entrance such as an ill-fitting garage doors, utility wires that go through the building or through pipes. They can go through even small openings and easily climb through windows. You must seal all possible entry points to your house.

Seal any openings that might act as entry points for rats. Use copper or steel wool, concrete mortar and wire mesh to seal the opening. A metal flashing for wider openings may also be used. Closely examine your roof to look for possible holes.

Rat guards are effective in foiling rodents from climbing up trees and walls. They are made from metal sheets that are at least 18 to 24 inches wide. They prevent rats from climbing up because of their smooth metallic surface.

Ineffective Methods

Chemical repellants and electronic devices that employ lights, and sounds are not recommended methods to keep away critters from your roof. There is simply no evidence showing that these products, sold as animal repellants, are effective in keeping away critters from your ceiling.