Roof rats are definitely a problem that most people have either experienced first-hand or heard about from someone they know. Rats are very common in urban and suburban regions because manmade structures offer great protection and comfort to these rodents. In fact, the majority of rat stories you have most likely heard of would be about rat damage. If you see signs that your roof or attic has just become infested with rats, then you need to do something immediately or the roof damage would become very serious. Consider the following.
What Does Roof Rat Damage Mean?
Most people are aware of the fact that rats have a tendency to chew through everything. This is the primary type of damage you should expect in your attic if you have already seen signs of rat infestation. For instance, if you keep furniture or clothes in your attic then you can expect them to be chewed through in no time.
In addition to this, rats in your attic will chew through your insulation as well. Rats have a special affinity with insulation because they can use its material to make nests and create pathways in the walls and through the floors. Therefore, if you have rats then you can expect the ruined insulation as part of the roof damage.
If the insulation in your roof gets damaged then you should also start expecting drafts through your home, sudden temperature changes, and much increased power bills. Effectively, you should include these things as part of roof rat damage as well.
Are There Any Independent Precautionary Measures?
If your roof is not already infested with rats but other homes in the neighborhood report of this then there are some things that you can do to reduce the chances of the same happening in your home. First and foremost, you should have rodent proofing done for your attic and even the rest of your home. This is the single most effective method of preventing roof rat damage. In addition to this, you should try to keep your premises clean and the flora around your home maintained.
When to Consider Decontamination and Rodent Proofing?
You should never wait for roof rat damage to become visible before considering decontamination and rodent proofing services. If you wait then you would not only have incurred financial roof rat damage but will also have to foot the bill for decontamination. Alternatively, if roof rats are not yet inside your home then you do not really need decontamination. Even so, you should seek rodent proofing service providers to make your home rodent proof.
