Rodents in the Attic
Scratching and scurrying overhead at night is a common sound in Florida homes. Usually it's roof rats, which climb trees, palms and utility lines to get onto the roof and into the attic.
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Noises at night, droppings in the attic or garage, gnawed wires and chewed fruit on trees.
How they get in
Gaps at roof returns, soffits, vents, plumbing stacks and where the garage roof meets the house.
Exclusion
Sealing every opening with rodent-proof materials is the most important step.
Trapping
Traps inside remove the rats already living there.
Damage
Rats chew wiring, ducts and insulation, and leave droppings that need careful cleanup.
Trees and palms
Trim limbs and fronds at least several feet from the roof.
Food outside
Pick up fallen fruit, store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers.
Follow-up
Check traps and seals again after a couple of weeks.
Next
See rodent control.
Don't use poison inside
Poison baits in attics can leave rats dying in walls, with smells and flies that follow. Exclusion and trapping are the cleaner approach inside the house.
After they're gone
Once rats are out, damaged insulation, droppings and nesting material should be cleaned up with care, and chewed wires checked by an electrician.
More pest control guides
Bugs or rodents in your home?
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