How do you get rid of roof rats? Here's how to tell if you have them

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Some part of the Southwest feel like they bypassed spring and dove straight into summer, including Phoenix which flirted with triple-digits last week. But while we’re enjoying the sunshine, so are some unwanted guests — roof rats.

Roof rats are attracted to citrus trees, which are full of fruit in spring. They scurry across rooftops, nest in attics and make themselves right at home. Unlike their sewer-dwelling cousins, roof rats are excellent climbers, using trees, fences and power lines to sneak into houses.

If you spot a roof rat darting across your yard or — worse — inside your home, act fast. Set snap traps baited with peanut butter, block off escape routes and remove sources of food and water.

For everything to know about roof rats, from what attracts them to whether they're dangerous to people or pets, here's our complete guide to roof rats.

In the meantime, here's how to get rid of roof rats.

How do you tell if you have roof rats?

Look for these key signs to tell if you have roof rats:

• Their droppings are small, about ½ inch long, with pointed ends, often found in attics or near food sources.
• You may notice gnaw marks on wires, wood or plastic, as roof rats chew to maintain their teeth.
• Scratching or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night, are common indicators.
• Greasy rub marks along walls and entry points where their fur brushes against surfaces.

Do roof rats come in the house?

They do. If you spot a roof rat inside your home, stay calm. Try to contain it by closing doors to prevent it from escaping into other rooms and to keep pets and kids away.

If the rat is in your yard, observe its behavior. If it lingers, a nest may be nearby.

How do you get rid of roof rats?

“This is a tricky question to answer since it depends upon the number of rats and the situation," said Dawn Heather Gouge, professor of medical entomology at the University of Arizona and a public health integrated pest management specialist.

"Newly introduced rats can often be trapped successfully, but there is no fast solution to densely populated areas where food and shelter resources are abundant and rat populations are widespread,”

The fastest way to get rid of roof rats involves a combination of trapping, sealing entry points and removing food and shelter:

• Set traps strategically: Use snap traps or electronic traps baited with peanut butter, fruit or nuts. Place them in areas of high activity, such as along walls, in attics or near nesting sites. For quicker results, set multiple traps at once.
• Seal entry points: Inspect your home for gaps or holes larger than 1/4 inch and seal them with steel wool, metal flashing or caulk. Pay close attention to rooflines, vents and utility entry points.
• Eliminate food and water: Remove outdoor food sources like pet food, birdseed or fallen fruit. Fix leaky faucets and eliminate standing water.
• Remove shelter: Trim overhanging tree branches, at least 4 feet away from your roof. Clear dense vegetation and clean up woodpiles or debris where rats might nest. If you have firewood, keep it stacked at least 12 inches off the ground and away from structures.

Gouge also said most native rodents are generally harmless if left alone and play an important role in the ecosystem. She recommends seeking professional help for rodent control instead of using rodenticides, which can be harmful to animals and the environment.

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