Rats can build their nests in different areas of the home. The black rat, a common species, likes to nest in high places such as attics. Rats in an attic can cause serious damage to a home and its residents.Wiring in the attic is vulnerable to being chewed through by rats, as are exposed air ducts. Once inside a duct, rats have access to most of a home, and they never stay only in the attic. This is dangerous because rats can spread disease wherever they urinate or defecate in a home.

Recognizing Signs of Attic Infestation

The signs of a rat nest in an attic are easily noticed, but only once the nest is large enough. When investigating a rat infestation, some things you should look for include:

• Scurrying sounds in the walls or ceiling
• Electrical problems (due to frayed wires)
• Insulation damage
• Rat droppings
• Signs of chewing in attic

Don’t Go at it Alone

It is almost impossible for a homeowner to remove all of the rats from an attic infestation. Poisoning or trapping a few of the rats can be done, but killing them all is difficult, and touching a rat (dead or alive) poses many health risks. If you find yourself in the midst of a rat infestation or have any questions about your critter problems, call Critter Control® at 305-363-7136.