By Ken Brown
Eco-Logic Management

We took a break from our rodent series last month as scorpions are becoming active, but this is the final article in our three-part series. If you missed the previous articles, check out the February and March issues.

Roof Rats are often black or brown in color and can be over 8 inches long, with a long tail, large ears and eyes, and a pointed nose. Their bodies are smaller and sleeker than the Norway rat’s and their fur is smooth. Roof rats prefer high places (to avoid predators) and may be found in elevated areas such as trees, rafters, attics and roofs or lower to the ground in piles of rubbish or wood. They are nocturnal by nature and are accomplished climbers. They eat fruit (which has earned them the name “fruit rat” or “citrus rat”) and nuts, although roof rats are actually omnivorous and will eat almost anything available to them. Roof rats are also food hoarders, stashing supplies of food such as seeds and nuts.

Roof rats nest outside in trees, woodpiles and debris, and in dense vegetation (or a seldom-used barbecue grill!). Like the pack rat, bait stations are effective in reducing a population. Depending on where we find the rats active, we might place a station up in the attic or near trees that the rats are using to climb onto your roof. Again, one loaded station can work for several weeks to lure and infect multiple rat invaders.

I hope these tips offer you some ideas on how to keep your yard and home rodent-free. As monthly contributors to this publication, we aim to share our advice, experiences and we are sure you will find each month’s discussion one you can benefit from.

If you have questions, comments or wish to share a pest related story, contact Eco-Logic Management Inc. at [email protected] or feel free to call Eco-Logic Management at (480) 513-1989.