Florida Pest Answers
"I can hear something moving in my ceiling at night—how did rats even get up there?"
Roof rats are nothing like the rodents people picture scurrying along the ground. They’re agile, fast climbers that spend most of their lives up high—in trees, on fences, along utility lines, and on rooftops. That’s exactly how they get in.
They’ll run along an overhanging tree branch, drop onto your roof, and start looking for a way inside. And they don’t need much of a gap to squeeze through—a hole roughly the size of a quarter is enough. Common entry points include gaps around the roofline eaves, damaged roof vents, spaces where utility lines enter the home, and deteriorating fascia boards. Once inside, they typically nest in attics, wall voids, and insulation, where they’re warm, hidden, and close to food.
In Florida, roof rats are especially common because the mild climate lets them stay active year-round, and the lush landscaping gives them plenty of cover and food sources right outside your door.
If you’re hearing scratching or movement in your ceiling at night, don’t wait. Roof rats breed quickly and cause serious damage to wiring, insulation, and woodwork. A professional inspection can identify exactly where they’re getting in and seal things up for good.
