In short, yes. Rats in your attic are dangerous to the people living in the house and to the house itself. Though common sense would lead most to believe that rats would prefer to live on the ground level, they are actually just as adept at climbing into attics and making it their home. Not only are these pesky rodents a threat to your attic, but they also pose a risk to the overall structure of your home.
If you suspect that your attic has been invaded by rats, it is imperative that you connect with a reputable rodent removal service as quickly as possible. The more time you give rats to breed in your home, the more damage they will inevitably cause, and the more it will cost to remove rodents from your attic.
Learn more about how to recognize a rat infestation as well as the risks they pose below.
How to Tell If There Are Rodents in Attic
Before spending your hard-earned money on a rodent removal service and/or homemade solutions, you should be as sure as possible that you are indeed dealing with a rat infestation.
Listed below are some signs that you are in the midst of a rat infestation in your attic.
- Rat Droppings: Rat droppings are oval-shaped (with a pointed end) and brown.
- Scratching Sounds: Rats are typically more active during the night time. If your attic has been infested, it is likely that you will hear a scratching sound during the night hours.
- Footprints: You can usually find rat footprints (also called running tracks) in the dusty areas of your attic.
- Bite Marks: Rat teeth grow at an unbelievable rate. To negate the growth, rats must chew on things. Bite marks on wood, piping, attic furniture, etc. can be a sign of rats.
Health Risks Posed by Rodents in Attic
Well known for their ability to forage food from just about anywhere, rats can contaminate food or drinking water that has been left out in the open. If your food or drinks have been contaminated by rat saliva, droppings, or urine, it can lead to you or a family member contracting dangerous diseases (some life-threatening if not treated).
In addition, rats are liable to bite or scratch humans if they feel threated. If attacked by a rat, a person can contract rat-bite fever or tetanus if not immediately seen by a doctor.
Lastly, rats often carry fleas and mites, which can transmit diseases to humans as well as family pets.
Damage Caused by Rats in Your Attic
In addition to the safety risks, rats cause all sorts of damage in your roof, as well as the structure of your home. In many cases, rats will gnaw their teeth on electrical cords, piping, and/or insulation. When they gnaw an electrical cord and leave wires exposed, it can create a fire hazard.
In addition to the damage that they cause in your attic, they are also adept at constructing burrow systems on the ground level. These burrows often cause long-term structural damage and can often be found under your house, deck, or sheds. If you are worried about rats turning your attic into their new home, you should consider rodent-proofing your attic right away. The best way to get rid of rodents and the destruction they cause is to never let them move-in in the first place.
If you live in Southern California and are ready to rodent-proof your home, contact Attic Projects to get started.
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