I've Got Roof Rats !!!!

[Bob_Roller]

The homeowners association for my neighborhood notified the residents about 2 months ago that roof rats had been found in the area.

I didn't think too much about it at the time,  last Thursday morning just before leaving for work, I heard a dull thud in the attic, like someone had dropped a hammer.

When I got home from work Thursday afternoon, I went up into the attic, and found rat droppings.

I proceeded to get a couple of rat traps, and Decon rat bait.

I put the traps and the bait next to the access door in the attic, checked the traps yesterday afternoon, got one rat with a spring trap, and all 2 pounds ( 1 kg.) of rat bait had been consumed.

Today is the first day of my weekend, and I went around the house, and found ventilation holes in the boards between the roof rafters where they exit the house in the eave area, were missing about 20 pieces of screening covering the holes.

Got some heavy steel screen, and cut it to about 3 inch squares, and used heavy staples and secured them over the holes.

I got up on the roof and started looking at how I can cover the 6 exhaust fan vents on the roof.

Need to get a different screen material, as it's quite difficult get this cut in anything other than a straight line.

It's true, that a house is a bottomless pit to pound money into !!!!!

Hey Mr Ridden / Rich, it was reported about 3 weeks ago that roof rats were found in traps in the 48th St. and Warner Rd. area.

That's only about 4 miles from you, check out the exterior of your home, before hot weather sets in !!!

If you want to learn a little more about these 'wonderful' creatures, do a search for : Roof Rats Tempe, Arizona.

[fastcataz]

I lived in the valley for years  and found the best solution to be a large, mean cat. My dear departed Dusty was 12 lbs. of mouse and rat hatred. Cleared out my home just over the line from you in Mesa, then cleaned up the houses on either side.
Try to look on the bright side, at least they don't ride Hardleys!

[Bob_Roller]

Did a little more 'research' on the rats, and it is estimated that about 25% of attic fires, are the result of rats gnawing and chewing on electrical wiring in the attic.

These rats love citrus fruit, and taking a cruise through the neighborhood over the weekend, I counted about 250 citrus trees covered with overripe fruit.

Looks like these little 'effers' are  here to stay.

They also can be carriers of the hanta virus, and  plague/black death.          

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I love being a tenant.  (with a conscientious landlord...)

[MrRiden]

I've seen lots O roof rats. Look for any open entry to the attic. Look close and if you see what looks like chew marks you've got 'em. I've seen where electrical conduit entrances for outdoor flood lights were enlarged by the little buggers to gain entry. Wear a mask when up in the attic & handling traps so you don't contract hantavirus. They like fruit trees and scavenge the fallen fruit so pick up those lemons, grapefruit, oranges & olives. If your neighbor has these on the ground get up his @$$ 'bout it.
Fast Cat has a good idea in introducing a predator. If your not a cat person then you want a Terrier as a rat hunter. A side note on those ultrasonic pest eliminators, forgetaboutit they don't werk.
good luck Bob
rich
Who has a cat and no fruit trees

[nhmaf]

I guess another thing to be grateful for living up north - we can get mice, but not rats, in the attic.   Though we also get red squirrels, which can be very damaging - fortunately they are smaller than that one in MrRiden's pic...

[Justin B.]

Dang, Rich, y'all need to start feeding y'alls squirrels better so they'll grow a bit more...  

[aussie]

No rats in the roof at the moment - though I have one living outside my back door - this bugger just wont take the bait - unlike it's mum, dad and sibling. I also have a flat roof - and a possum that uses it at night for it's own personal runway. The house is on three levels so I hear this:
thump (tree to house)
clunk, clunk, clunk etc to the next level
thump as it jumps down
clunk, clunk, clunk etc to the next level
thump as it jumps down
clunk, clunk, clunk etc to the next level
and then it disappears into another tree.
In the morning I hear it returning....   Not happy Jan.

[NC Steve]

If I had roof rats, I'd have to be a roof plinker too.

What do you reckon the local police would think about a person sitting on their roof with a .22 rifle, or maybe a .410 shotgun?  :-?
It would be real tempting to find out...

[Bob_Roller]

A neighbor on the next block had pigeon problems on his roof, starting using a .177 caliber air rifle to eliminate them.

Wasn't using common sense, and was shooting them in the middle of the day where anyone driving by could see him.

Someone in the area turned him into the local county sheriff, and he was arrested, charged with discharging a weapon within a city limit, and animal abuse.

Got a 6 month suspended sentence , and 2 years probation.

I don't think I'll push my luck!!!

[fastcataz]

With Joke Arpisser running the show down there I am surprised the SWAT guys didn't show up.

[montmil]

If I had roof rats, I'd have to be a roof plinker too.

What do you reckon the local police would think about a person sitting on their roof with a .22 rifle, or maybe a .410 shotgun?  :-?
It would be real tempting to find out...

.22 rat shot works fine in a bolt action rifle. Gotta get close. Not too loud either.

I off the squirrels that raid our bird feeders with a .177 pellet rifle and a small scope. I have a known distance to target, scope sighted for same and shoot from inside the house, through the open patio door and into the varmit. Big fun. BTW, I live next door to a cop!
[smiley=rifle.gif]  

[Lucky_Lou]

Try this solution my freind "henry" has the answer
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Lou

[Bob_Roller]

I'm pretty much left with spring traps , and poisoned bait.

If by chance you've wondered how the rat bait works, it contains an anti-coagulant chemical, after eating the bait the rat gets severely de-hydrated, and then usually leaves the structure it uses as it's home, and looks for water.

The rat then starts to hemorrhage internally, then goes into shock.

With the rat severely dehydrated upon death, it usually does not get a foul decaying smell, they usually go into a mummified state shortly after death.

[MrRiden]

Dang, Rich, y'all need to start feeding y'alls squirrels better so they'll grow a bit more...  

Spoken like a true Texan!!