Blog Layout

From the field with Insect IQ’s Nick Cvetanovich

Jonathan Simkins

5 Signs Your Home Has a Roof Rat Infestation

During colder months, a warm house is a welcoming place not only for humans but also for roof rats. If you suspect a roof rat infestation in your Florida home, it is crucial to watch out for signs of their presence. Insect IQ's wildlife control expert, Nick Cvetanovich, offers helpful pointers to help you identify if you have unwelcome guests in your home.


Call Now For A Free Inspection

1. Droppings and Urine around the House


Identifying roof rat droppings is relatively simple - they are dark-colored, shaped like grains of rice, and around ½ inch in length. While roof rats can typically be found skulking around thick bushes, trees, and power lines outdoors, once they invade your home, they tend to gather in the attic, wall voids, and ceiling spaces to chew on drywall, wiring, and nest in insulation.


When it comes to spotting roof rat urine, it can be challenging depending on the surface it is on. However, on hardwood or concrete, it dries in streaks and takes on a chalk-like appearance. Another indicator to look out for is rub marks along the baseboards of your home, where the roof rats' greasy and dirty fur can leave marks on surfaces they come into contact with.


It is not just unsanitary, but also a potential health hazard as roof rats can spread various diseases through their waste, including:


  • Hantavirus
  • Salmonellosis
  • Leptospirosis


While searching for indications of roof rats, it is advisable to rely on your sense of smell. Roof rat urine gives off a potent, ammonia-like scent. Nevertheless, coming into contact with or inhaling roof rat droppings or urine without the appropriate gear or training can be hazardous. To avoid the risks associated with the most unpleasant indications of roof rats in your home, such as those mentioned above, it is recommended to contact Nick Cvetanovich, Insect IQ's expert in roof rat control.


  • Risking contamination by using your bare hands
  • Stirring up hazardous particles by sweeping waste away with a broom
  • Releasing those particles into the air without proper ventilation



2. Scratching Noises in the Walls or Ceiling at Night

The sound of tiny footsteps can be charming, except when it's the sound of roof rats running around in your attic. These creatures can create scratching noises from inside walls or the attic as they move around the interior structure of your house. Additionally, the gnawing behavior they exhibit can produce a distinct noise. Due to their larger size (measuring between 6 to 8 inches), roof rats tend to make more noise than smaller rodents like mice.



3. Foul, Unexplained Odors in Certain Areas

If your home is filled with an inexplicable foul odor, it could be due to a roof rat corpse. The smell of a dead rodent is even worse than the stench of their urine, and it's difficult to miss. It might also attract other pests, such as flies. However, a strong odor like this could also indicate the presence of another type of deceased wildlife. In any case, our expert professionals will swiftly handle the issue for you.


4. Chew Marks on Furniture, Walls, and Exposed Wood

Rodents have teeth that grow continuously, which compels them to gnaw on anything in their vicinity. If you notice tooth marks on your furniture's wooden feet, the lid of your peanut butter jar, or the beams in your attic, it's likely that rodents are present. Besides contaminated food, their gnawing tendencies pose a significant hazard.


Although their teeth enable them to chew through sturdy materials such as wood and heavy-duty plastic, they can also chew through electrical wiring. Eradicating a roof rat infestation is critical to avoiding the risk of electrical fires in your home. If you observe the first signs of roof rats, it is recommended to contact Nick Cvetanovich, the roof rat control expert at Insect IQ.


5. Finding an Actual Roof Rat in Your Home

Pets can play a vital role in identifying a roof rat infestation. Dogs and cats have a keen sense of hearing and can detect sounds that humans cannot. If you notice your pets frequently staring at a specific wall or area of your home, it's likely that you have rodents. Additionally, if you spot a roof rat either inside or outside near trees that are hanging over your home, there may be many more of them on your property.


Protect Your Florida Property from Roof Rats with Insect IQ

Knowing how to address a roof rat infestation in your Florida home can facilitate prompt resolution of the problem. Identifying their droppings and keeping a lookout for signs of gnawing can aid in protecting your household from these destructive rodents.


If you suspect a roof rat infestation in your home, don't hesitate to contact Insect IQ immediately. Our skilled technicians are equipped to protect homes and businesses throughout Florida.


Insect IQ’s Team Leader: Nick Cvetanovich

855.930.BUGS


CONTACT US 855-930-2847


Insect IQ Services

Pest Control License Insect IQ JB131270

Certified Pest Control Operator JF8248 1994

Pest Control, Lawn & Ornamental, Termite, Fumigation

State of Florida Registered Beekeeper: FL0290619S

1994 UF Entomologist Jonathan Simkins

2020 UF Entomologist Britton Simkins





By Jonathan Simkins March 25, 2024
Expert Insights: Managing the Annual Lubber Grasshopper Invasion from Insect IQ
By Jonathan Simkins November 30, 2023
Ensuring a Merry and Pest-Free Christmas: Expert Tips from Insect IQ
By Jonathan Simkins November 22, 2023
"Laughing Off Unwanted Thanksgiving Guests with Insect IQ"
By Jonathan Simkins November 14, 2023
Ensuring a Pest-Free Holiday Season with Insect IQ The holiday season brings joy and festivities, but amidst the cheer lies a concern often overlooked – the potential for insects and rodents to join the celebration through your Christmas decorations. At Insect IQ, we're here to guide you through common pests that may infiltrate your holiday decor and provide essential tips on how to prevent and address this unexpected issue.
By Jonathan Simkins August 28, 2023
Bat Season starts August 15th. We can help! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has set the official bat maternity season from April 15th through August 15th. During this time, it is prohibited to remove, harm or exterminate bats, as this is the time when female bats are raising their young ones, and removing them can lead to the separation of the young from their mothers, causing harm to both the mother and the young. The FWC recommends that if you have a bat infestation on your property, it's best to wait until the maternity season is over before taking any action. However, if there are urgent public health and safety concerns, then FWC recommends contacting a wildlife removal professional or the local FWC office to determine the best course of action. It is important to note that even during the maternity season, if a bat poses an immediate threat to human health or safety, it can be removed by a professional under certain conditions. What To Do If You Suspect Bats In Your House  If you suspect rat or rodent activity, call a wildlife specialist for identification and next steps. Insect IQ has wildlife experts on staff to give you a free evaluation and help you determine what action (if any) you need to take to control your pest problem. For more information call 855-930-2847 (bugs). Or visit https://www.insectiq.com/our-services/wildlife-services for more information about wildlife services. LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS DACS JB131270 Pest Control License Insect IQ DACS JF8248 1994 Certified Pest Control Operator #insectiq #bats #batbugs #bathouse #batnests #familyowned
By Jonathan Simkins August 3, 2023
AT INSECT IQ We strive to improve the world where we live, work, and play by protecting people, public health, food, and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. We deliver pest management solutions to commercial and residential customers throughout the Tampa Bay Market. We are experiencing year-upon-year continued growth and innovation by solving our customers’ day-to-day pest management, wildlife, termite, lawn & ornamental pest control, and stinging insect solutions. Wildlife Specialist Wanted Insect IQ is seeking a full-time, career-oriented individual to join our team as a Pest Control Technician. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and be self-motivated. Experience in the field is helpful, but we are willing to train the right person.
By Jonathan Simkins August 3, 2023
AT INSECT IQ We strive to improve the world where we live, work, and play by protecting people, public health, food, and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. We deliver pest management solutions to commercial and residential customers throughout the Tampa Bay Market. We are experiencing year-upon-year continued growth and innovation by solving our customers’ day-to-day pest management, wildlife, termite, lawn & ornamental pest control, and stinging insect solutions. Wildlife Specialist Wanted Insect IQ is seeking a full-time, career-oriented individual to join our team as a Wildlife Technician. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and be self-motivated. Experience in the field is helpful, but we are willing to train the right person.
By Jonathan Simkins July 23, 2023
What are occasional invaders and why do they enter your home? Britton Simkins notes that while many people in Florida are familiar with structural pests such as rodents, ants, cockroaches, and bed bugs, which infest and breed within buildings, there are also occasional invaders. These pests enter buildings on an infrequent basis, typically during specific months of the year, due to extreme weather conditions or accidental entry through small cracks and gaps in the building's structure. Occasional invaders are pests that invade buildings on an infrequent basis, usually during specific months of the year. They are not considered a major threat to humans, but their presence can be a nuisance. Examples of occasional invaders in Florida include millipedes, centipedes, silverfish, earwigs, crickets, and lady beetles, to name a few. Despite not being a significant threat, their presence should not be ignored, as it can indicate potential entry points for other pests. Occasional invaders typically enter buildings through small gaps or cracks in foundation walls, doorways, and windows, often attracted by lights and moisture. Once inside, they may feed on organic matter or seek shelter from the elements. In addition to being a warning sign for other pests, occasional invaders can also cause damage to property. For instance, silverfish and carpet beetles can damage fabrics and paper products, while millipedes and centipedes can stain walls and floors with their secretions. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to keep occasional invaders out of your building, such as sealing cracks and gaps in foundation walls, doors, and windows, and reducing moisture levels inside the building. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of an infestation by not only occasional invaders, but also other more harmful pests.
By Jonathan Simkins July 17, 2023
Identifying animal feces, commonly referred to as scat, can be a task that requires some attention to detail. The appearance of feces can vary depending on the animal's diet, making it a slightly challenging task. However, by asking the right questions and taking necessary precautions, you can narrow down the potential suspects. Please note that engaging in scat identification comes with potential hazards . It is important to prioritize your safety. Droppings can be unsanitary and carry germs, so it is crucial to handle them with proper protection. Avoid direct contact and minimize breathing near the droppings. If you must handle them, use tools, gloves, and wear appropriate clothing. Dust-borne particles from droppings can also pose health risks.
By Jonathan Simkins July 8, 2023
Caution: Roachpalooza - The Toothbrush and Toothpaste Edition! 
More Posts
Share by: