What Do Roof Rat Tracks Look Like?
Roof rats are nocturnal rodents that live throughout the United States. Roof rats have four-toed front feet and five-toed hind feet, making their tracks quite distinguishable. It is common for people to find these tracks near food prep areas or along crumb-laden baseboards. Tracing roof rat tracks can lead to den sites and food sources, as well as reveal the best places for traps.
In addition to tracks, roof rats leave other signs of their presence. The pests create smudge marks on walls with their greasy fur. They also leave urine stains and droppings practically everywhere they go. Since rodents chew on their surroundings, scratch and gnaw marks can damage infested homes. In places where there is possible rodent activity, spread talcum powder on the ground and leave it there overnight. If you find roof rat tracks and tail drag marks in the morning, the pests have traveled through this area.
Getting Rid of Roof Rats
Their presence is bothersome and even hazardous, as they can spread plague, murine typhus, and leptospirosis. While roof rats are elusive and rarely seen, their tracks provide clear evidence of activity. Property owners are less likely to see roof rat tracks when the rodents live in attics, behind walls, or in crawl spaces. Squeaking, scratching, or rubbing noises may indicate their presence in these cases.
Roof rat tracks that are found indoors also suggest larger issues. Food contamination is a possibility when the pests make their way into kitchens and pantries. At the first sign of roof rat footprints, Critter Control can help remove the pests and bring peace of mind. Contact Us at Critter Control of Seattle for professional roof rat removal.