These rats can also transmit rat bite fever through bacteria in their mouth.
Roof rat behavior.
According to the city of tempe rats move 200 300 feet at night and are most active in the cooler months of the year.
Roof rats spread diseases like salmonellosis through pantry foods contaminated with their droppings.
The main signs of roof rat infestation mentioned by the city of phoenix water services department are.
Rodents will burrow or travel long distances to obtain food and find shelter.
This makes traditional baiting and trapping on the ground or floor a bit trickier.
They often live above ground in attics or trees and travel down at night to find food sources.
Easily result in misidentification the ecology and behavior of roof rats differs significantly from the others.
They reproduce quickly are resourceful scavengers and protect themselves when attacked.
True to their name these rats are experts at traveling high up.
These ecological and behavioral differences are important to consider when identifying a pest rodent and implementing.
These rats are known to leave behind signs like.
Roof rats can travel in many different ways to new homes.
While casual observations of roof rats or native rats can.
Sounds coming from the roof or attic are the surest indication of the roof rat infestation.
Ecology of roof rats and native rats.
Roof rats are primarily nocturnal meaning that they sleep during the day and become active seeking food and water after dusk.
They ll move along power lines and can climb up brick and stucco.