For years, termites were the number one threat to homes in Austin. Recently, they’ve been eclipsed by roof rats, which have begun to invade the city and are now present throughout the Austin metro area. These rodents dwell in high spaces, like trees and rafters, and build nests and social colonies there.
Although roof rats are native to Texas, they were not commonly seen within the city until recently. They have traditionally been seen in rural areas. Recent weather changes have driven them away from their natural habitat, however, and the change seems to be permanent.
Like all rats, roof rats reproduce quickly and can be extremely destructive. They’re responsible for structural damage as they chew through the wood and insulation of a home. They can also invade pantries and cupboards and will cause food to spoil or become contaminated.
These rodents arrived in the city during the 2011 drought, which caused many species of local wildlife to venture out of the surrounding countryside and into the city in search of food and water. Aside from rats, local officials have found a higher than average number of raccoons and squirrels in the city since 2011.
Once the rats moved into the city, they began to flourish. With easy access to food and shelter, they had little incentive to move out once the drought had ended. Since rodents breed very quickly, they were able to spread throughout the city and can now be found in every neighborhood in Austin.
To protect your home, you should be sure to seal off any cracks in your foundation or around the roof that may enable the rodents to enter your home. Remember that roof rats are excellent climbers and jumpers. If there are holes in or around your roof that can be accessed by nearby buildings or tree branches, you might get rats in your home.
There are a few ways to identify a potential rodent infestation in your home:
—Seeing rodents in or near your property
—Hearing the sound of scratching or gnawing in the walls or ceiling
—Finding droppings around your house
—Finding chewed or scattered food items or paper bits
If you see any of these obvious signs, it’s time to call the rodent control experts at ABC Home & Commercial in Austin. If there’s one rat in your home, there are likely many more. Addressing the potential infestation before it gets out of hand is the key to protecting your home and family.