Keeping Roof Rats Off Of Your McKinney, TX Property

11/15/2021

They may go by many different names, but the rodents of McKinney are still considered some of the most dangerous pest species in Texas.

Roof rats are no exception, invading thousands of local homes and businesses every single year. Unlike mice, roof rats are large, imposing mammals with a reputation for disaster. Despite their nocturnal tendencies, they have some easy to discern characteristics:

• Eight-inch bodies on average

• Large, scaly tails (no hair)

• Small ears

• Blunt snouts

• Short whiskers 

The Dangers Of Roof Rats

Sometimes referred to as black rats, ship rats, or tree rats, roof rats got their name for a tendency to stay high off the ground. If these pests find a way to slip underneath shingles or into chimneys, they will settle down for long periods of time.

Like many other rodents in the McKinney area, the dangers of roof rats are not to be underestimated. According to studies, these pests may be some of the deadliest home invaders on Earth.

Roof rats can:

• Spread serious diseases such as hantavirus

• Destroy property via biting, chewing, or gnawing

• Reproduce with up to 300 young per year

• Physically attack people and pets 

If you do not yet have a roof rat infestation around your property, it would be best to begin some staunch prevention steps to keep them out for good.

Roof Rat Prevention Tips For McKinney Property Owners 

Due to their many dangers and reproductive speed, it’s never a good idea to let roof rats linger around your home. Keep out scouting vectors or potential invaders by making your property less hospitable to roof rat populations.

• Store all food items or plastic or glass containers (preferably glass). Do not allow any food items to be left sitting on the counters, including fruits and vegetables.

• Perform a deep cleaning of the home regularly. Pay close attention to the insides of drawers, the bottoms of cabinets, and the undersides of large or heavy appliances.

• If you have a compost pile in your yard, turn it frequently to encourage breakdown (and keep hungry roof rats at bay).

• Ensure that your roofline and shingles are correctly installed, taking care to address any possible problems that could be present. If you are concerned about the possibility of severe structural compromise, hire a local expert for an inspection.

• Install some chimney caps if possible, helping to reduce your risks of a roof-borne infestation. 

When pests like roof rats start to invade, you’ll need only the best of the best to assist. This includes the actionable services of Around The Block Pest Control. 

Around The Block Pest Control Does More Than Just Prevention 

At Around The Block Pest Control, we take our position as an industry leader very seriously. Not only do we help McKinney property owners get and stay rat-free, but we do so in a way that makes sense for their needs and lifestyle. 

We provide all manner of rodent control treatments, from traditional products to natural sprays and abatements. To date, we have provided the following services: 

• Quarterly pest control

• Monthly pest control

• Rodent inspections

• Rodent treatments

• Rodent follow-up visitations. 

Ready to see real change around your McKinney home or business? Contact Around The Block Pest Control for rodent control services that make your dollar count. Learn more by calling our local office or by completing one of our online contact forms right away. 

Tags: rodent control | roof rats in mckinney | preventing rats