How Do Rats Get Inside The Attic?

Rat on a piece of wood in the attic

Discovering unwanted visitors in your attic can be an unsettling experience for any homeowner. Among the numerous pests that may invade our homes, rats hold a notorious position, and their presence in the attic is a common problem faced by many. Understanding how these resourceful creatures gain access to your attic is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. 

How Rats Get Inside

Your attic may seem like a strange place for rats to invade, but infestations up high are more common than many people realize. Rats are excellent climbers – especially roof rats, which have extra-long tails that make it easy for them to balance. Once they climb up the side of your home, rats may enter your attic by:

  • Entering through cracks or gaps
  • Looking for soft spots or holes in your roof
  • Crawling through attic fans or vents
  • Looking for plumbing or wiring openings

Keeping your roof and siding in great condition is one of the best ways to prevent an upstairs invasion of rodents. You can also seal any existing openings with caulk to make it more difficult for rats to access your space. 

Signs You Have Rats in Your Attic

Identifying the presence of rats in your attic is crucial in tackling the issue promptly. The sooner you spot an infestation, the easier it will be to address the problem and avoid property damage or health risks. Here are some telltale signs that indicate a potential rat infestation:

  • Strange Noises: If you hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds coming from your attic, especially during the night when rats are most active, it’s a strong indication of their presence.
  • Foul Odors: Rats have a distinct musky smell that can permeate the air in your attic. If you detect a strong, unpleasant odor that persists despite your efforts to eliminate it, it could be a sign of a rat infestation.
  • Droppings: Rat droppings are a reliable indicator of their presence. These small, pellet-like droppings are usually dark brown or black and can be found near their nesting areas, along pathways, or near food sources. 
  • Gnaw Marks: Rats constantly gnaw on objects to keep their teeth from growing too long. Look for gnaw marks on wooden beams, wires, insulation, and other materials in your attic. 
  • Grease Marks: Rats have oily fur that can leave greasy smudges along their regular paths. These marks may be visible along walls, beams, or near openings where they enter and exit your attic.
  • Nesting Materials: Rats build nests using various materials like shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and plant matter. Check for nests tucked away in secluded corners or within insulation. Finding nests is a clear sign of a rat infestation.

What to Do if You Have Rats in the Attic

When faced with a rat infestation in your attic, it’s tempting to tackle the problem on your own. However, opting for professional rodent control services offers numerous advantages that make it the best choice for effectively eliminating these unwanted guests. Our services are eco-friendly ensuring your family is safe while the pest problem is dealt with, and with over 70 years of service, that’s a legacy you can rely on.

Fall Pests That May End Up in Your Home

Closeup of House Spider Inside a Home, Against a White Wall

If you’ve noticed an increase in insects in and around your home in the fall, it’s not your imagination, and it’s not just you. It’s the result of pests trying to get out of the cooler weather. Some pests migrate even further south than Florida, some burrow in or under debris, while others just try to get into our homes. 

The scientific term for this phenomenon is overwintering. Overwintering refers to insect behavior in the winter months when they find shelter, migrate, and/or hibernate.

There are several types of pests known to try to get indoors, from insects to rodents. The most difficult fall pests to get rid of are the ones you can’t see because they’re now in the attic or behind your walls. Some of the pests most likely to end up in your home this fall include: rodents, termites, wasps, spiders, and Jadera bugs

Read on to learn more about these common pests that may try to get into your home this fall and winter.

Rodents

You probably know that squirrels are excellent climbers but so are roof rats and mice. Most rodents can climb up trees and get onto your roof via nearby branches, fences, and or even by climbing a drainpipe!  

From there, it’s easy to get into your attic and make a nest to stay warm for the fall and winter. If you hear scratching or gnawing noises from up above or inside the walls, you likely have rodents inside your attic or wall voids starting to make themselves at home. 

Termites

Termites are considered to be the most destructive pest in America. The estimated annual cost of termite damage and termite control efforts in the US is up to $30 billion. Termites are always looking to enter your house as a food source. 

So, what’s different about fall and winter? Subterranean termites, the most destructive species, tend to burrow deeper into the ground to stay warm in the winter. This means you’re less likely to discover a subterranean termite infestation until the spring. During that time, termites could cause a great deal of damage. Once termites can get into your home, they will consume wood and anything else that contains cellulose. 

Signs you may have termites in your home include

  • Blisters on painted walls
  • Hollow-sounding wood
  • Mud tunnels in your crawlspace
  • Chewing sounds
  • Unexplained pinhole-sized holes

Wasps

Wasp colonies as a whole don’t overwinter; the regular workers do not survive, and the colony is rebuilt annually. However, fertilized queens overwinter outdoors in hollow logs, stumps, or under leaves. They can also overwinter on or in structures, including the attics or siding of homes. 

The most common way for wasps to get in is through attic vents that aren’t screened. It’s always best to ensure that your attic is as sealed as possible to prevent wasps and other pests from entering. It’s possible for the queen to start her new colony in your attic next year, which can mean a large nest of stinging insects to remove. It’s best to prevent that from happening right from the start this fall! 

Spiders

Some spider species are dangerous, such as the black widow or brown recluse. And these spiders will seek shelter anywhere they can, including inside your home, under rocks, or in building cracks. 

Once they find shelter, they go through a process called diapause. In diapause, they slow down their bodies and become dormant – similar to hibernation. So, just like other mentioned pests, prevention is key to keeping spiders out in fall and winter. You’ll want to seal any cracks, declutter, and call pest control.

Jadera Bug

Also known as red-shouldered bugs, Jadera bugs are often confused with lovebugs. In the fall, these bugs seek shelter to stay warm for winter – to later then re-emerge in April.

Jadera bugs prefer to stay in plants, such as trees, cotton, and soapberries. They’re more of a nuisance than anything, but it’s best to prevent them with home prevention and professional services.

Keep Pests Out of Your Florida Home With Pro Extermination

Florida Pest Control has been providing Florida with trusted pest control services since 1949. If you have any of these fall pests in your home, Florida Pest Control can help get them out and keep them out. We also offer services to help prevent these pests from entering your home.

Contact us today for a free service quote!

Pests on the Rise in Florida This Winter

Norway rat in Florida - Florida Pest Control

Pests can run rampant year-round here in Florida. Unlike regions with seasonal weather that renders many pest infestations nonexistent in the wintertime, we are accustomed to dealing with certain pests even throughout the colder months. In partnership with PestWorld, the NPMA recently released their 2021 Fall & Winter Bug Barometer® predicting the pest trends we’re to expect in our region this winter. Unsurprisingly, rodents have been named the number one concern pest for Florida residents this winter. To keep your home or business safe from rats and mice this winter, the experts are here to share everything you need to know about preventing increased rodent activity—read on to learn more!

Winter Pests in Florida

Although many types of pests go away in the fall and winter, there are a few that stick around. With above-normal rainfall predicted, mosquitoes have lingered well into the fall months—which is much longer than usual. The most pressing pest pressures we face this time of year are those pests that look to get inside our homes to escape dropping temperatures outdoors.

In November, you may still be seeing some infamous fall pests inside your home. These include ants, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs, all of which look to overwinter until springtime right in the comfort of your property. The most concerning winter pest problem Florida residents face in 2021, however, is a rodent infestation.

NPMA Bug Barometer 2021

Why Rodent Infestations Are Dangerous

Rodents are an increasingly common pest problem for homeowners, especially this time of year. Both rats and mice can squeeze their way inside impossibly small holes to gain access to your basement, attic, or another area. Once indoors, they can wreak havoc. Some of the major dangers of mouse or rat infestations are:

  1. With their ever-growing incisor teeth, rodents are constantly chewing on a number of things in your home, electrical wires included.
  2. To build nests, rodents will tear through materials in your home, including your insulation and cardboard boxes.
  3. Rodents can directly or indirectly transmit some of the most dangerous diseases, from rat-bite fever to hantavirus.
  4. Rodent droppings can contaminate food and create a hazardous environment in your property.

How to Prevent a Rodent Infestation this Winter

With NPMA’s prediction of increased rodent activity this time of year, it’s more important than ever to team up with your local rodent control exterminators. At Florida Pest Control, our experts will work hard to implement the best rodent exclusion tactics to keep rats and mice away for good. Contact us today!

The Dangers of House Mice and Rats

Rat in Florida home - Florida Pest Control

Even if you love visiting Mickey and Minnie in Orlando, odds are you’re not too keen on the idea of mice or rats sharing your home. Many people have an inherent dislike or fear of mice and rats, and considering how dangerous they can be to humans, that’s understandable. A rat or mouse infestation isn’t only messy, it is hazardous. 

Rodents can chew on wires, cause a mess with their droppings, and even damage the structure of your business. With rodent infestations on the rise in 2021 and into the next year, it’s important to learn how to prevent these pests in your home. 

The experts at Florida Pest Control are here to help—read on to learn about the top threats that rodents pose.

Why You Should Take Rat and Mouse Infestations Seriously

Rodents are not just an inconvenience; they are a serious threat to your home, health, and safety. Even the smallest signs of an infestation, such as droppings or gnaw marks, can indicate a much larger problem. Ignoring these early signs can lead to more significant, more costly issues, including severe property damage and potential health risks for everyone living in your home.

Signs of Mice in the Home

Mice are nocturnal creatures, which means they often go unnoticed during the day. However, several telltale signs indicate their presence in your home. One of the most common signs of mice is the discovery of small, dark droppings. These droppings are typically found near food sources, along walls, or in hidden spaces like behind appliances. Additionally, gnaw marks on food packaging, furniture, and even wires suggest that mice are actively trying to enter or move through your home. If you notice shredded materials like paper, fabric, or insulation in hidden areas, it strongly indicates that mice have set up nests in your home.

If you detect any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the greater the damage and health risks the infestation will pose.

Damage Caused by Mice

Mice may be small, but they are capable of causing significant damage to your property. Their gnawing habits can lead to structural issues that may not be immediately visible. They frequently chew on electrical wires, which not only poses a fire hazard but can also lead to costly repairs. Mice are also known to gnaw on insulation, compromising your home’s energy efficiency. Furthermore, mice can contaminate food supplies by chewing through packaging, leaving behind saliva, urine, and droppings that can make food unsafe for consumption. The damage caused by mice is both physical and sanitary, impacting the safety and integrity of your home.

Do Mice Spread Disease?

Yes, mice are dangerous to humans and can spread a variety of infectious diseases. They often carry and transmit diseases through their droppings, urine, or saliva. One of the most concerning diseases transmitted by mice is hantavirus infection, which can cause severe respiratory issues and, in some cases, can be fatal. Mice can also spread Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis, a viral infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, neurological complications. In addition, mice can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal illness when ingested through contaminated food or surfaces.

Can Mice Carry Parasites?

Yes, mice often carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can exacerbate the health risks associated with a rodent infestation, as they can bite humans and pets, causing itching and allergic reactions. In some cases, these parasites can transmit diseases of their own. In addition to these external parasites, mice can also carry internal parasites, such as roundworms, which can be transmitted through contaminated food or water.

The Dangers of a Rat  Infestation

Rats can present serious health risks and cause significant structural damage to your property. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a rodent infestation is essential for preventing long-term damage and health problems.

Signs of Rats in the House 

Rats are larger and more aggressive than mice, making them more noticeable and often more destructive. If you have rats in your house, you may hear loud scratching noises, especially at night, as they move through walls, ceilings, or under floors. You may also discover rat droppings, which are larger than mouse droppings and are typically found in dark, hidden areas. Rats tend to gnaw on food packaging, furniture, and even structural components of your home. Their nesting materials often include shredded paper, insulation, and fabric, found in secluded spots like attics, basements, or behind large appliances.

Can Rats Spread Disease?

Rats, like mice, can spread numerous diseases. One of the primary concerns is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause liver damage, kidney failure, and meningitis. Rats are also known to carry hantavirus infection, which can lead to severe respiratory illness. 

Rats can also transmit rat-bite fever, which can cause fever, rash, and joint pain and can spread through bites or scratches. The risk of infection from rats is significant, and their ability to contaminate food, water, and surfaces with their urine, saliva, and droppings makes them a serious health threat.

Do Rats Carry Parasites?

Rats, like mice, can carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transmit diseases to humans and pets. These external parasites can cause itching and allergic reactions and may also spread diseases such as plague and typhus. In addition to external parasites, rats are known to carry pathogens that can contaminate food and surfaces, further contributing to the risk of illness in your home.

Are House Mice Dangerous for Families and Pets?

Yes, house mice are dangerous to families and pets. Although they may appear harmless due to their small size, house mice are capable of causing serious health risks and property damage. They can spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and LCMV, and their rodent urine and droppings can contaminate food, water, and living spaces. If you have pets, mice pose an additional risk, as they can transmit parasites like fleas and mites to your animals. In some cases, mice may even bite or scratch pets if they feel threatened.

The Long-Term Dangers of Ignoring a Rodent Infestation

Rodent problems tend to worsen the longer they are left untreated. As rodents continue to breed and infest your home, they can cause increasing damage to your property. Their gnawing on wires, insulation, and structural components can result in costly repairs. Rodents also continue to spread infectious diseases and parasites, putting your family’s health at risk. 

How to Minimize the Health Risks of Rats and Mice

If you want to stay safe from the dangers of house mice and rats, it’s important to prevent them in the first place. Once they get indoors, rats and mice are likely to hide away in your attic, kitchen, garage, and other places where they can stay warm and have access to food. Exclusion is the key to getting rid of rat problems for good:

  1. Inspect your property for any openings rodents may have snuck through. By sealing these openings and closing up gaps around vents and soffits, you can effectively keep rodents out.
  2. Further, rat-proof your property by repairing your roof and monitoring drains. By limiting their access points, you can get rid of the means by which rodents get inside of your property.
  3. Look into traps and baits. If you have just a couple of rodents in your property, you can effectively get rid of them using bait or traps. Keep in mind, this is not a strong enough solution to get rid of an entire infestation.
  4. Get professional rodent control services. If you have a serious rodent problem, the best thing you can do is hire a pest control expert. A professional will know how to safely and effectively get rid of the pests for good.

Get Rid of Dangerous Rodents For Good

Many people believe if they’ve never seen a mouse or rat in their home, they’re not there. That’s overly optimistic. Rodents can be quite secretive and live in your home for a long time without you noticing. Even if they’re not in your home yet, they soon could be.

Florida Pest Control offers rodent control and exclusion services. Our experts are trained to locate areas of rodent activity and potential entry points. Contact Florida Pest Control today, and we will perform a rodent control inspection to ensure you, your family, and your home are protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How dangerous are house mice?

House mice are dangerous because they can spread diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and LCMV. They can also contaminate food and water with their droppings and urine, putting you at risk for illness.

Will mice crawl on you in your sleep?

While it’s unlikely that mice will crawl on you while you sleep, they may venture out at night to search for food. If you have an infestation, it’s best to take immediate action to prevent these encounters.

Should I be worried if I have mice?

Yes, even a small number of mice in your home can lead to health risks and property damage. If you see signs of mice, it’s important to contact Florida Pest Control right away to address the issue before it worsens.