How to Get Rid of Roof Rats in Attics, Ceilings, and Walls for Homeowners in Utah
Roof rats are one of the most destructive rodents that homeowners encounter. Unlike Norway rats that burrow, roof rats prefer high spaces — attics, ceilings, and wall voids. They gnaw through insulation, chew wires, and contaminate surfaces with droppings. In Utah, roof rats aren’t as common as mice, but they are appearing more frequently, especially in neighborhoods near farmland or food sources.
If you’re hearing scratching above your ceiling or suspect an infestation, here’s how to identify roof rats and get rid of them for good.
Signs of Roof Rats in Attics and Walls
Roof rats leave behind several clear warning signs when they infest attics or wall voids:
- Noises at night: Scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds are most noticeable after dark.
- Droppings: Small, dark pellets (about ½ inch long, pointed on the ends) often accumulate in corners.
- Grease trails: Rats leave oily rub marks along rafters, beams, or baseboards.
- Gnaw marks: Chewed wood, plastic, or wires are common in ceilings and wall spaces.
When these signs occur together, it’s usually an active infestation rather than a single stray rodent.
Why Roof Rats Are Dangerous
Roof rats aren’t just a nuisance — they create real hazards. They chew electrical wiring, raising the risk of fire, and they spread disease through urine and droppings. In Utah homes, insulation damage is another costly issue, since rats shred it to build nests. Left unchecked, infestations multiply quickly and spread through multiple levels of a home.
How to Get Rid of Roof Rats
Eliminating roof rats requires a combination of exclusion, sanitation, and control methods:
- Seal entry points: Close gaps larger than ¼ inch around vents, soffits, chimneys, and rooflines.
- Trap strategically: Place snap traps or electronic traps along suspected pathways in attics or ceilings.
- Reduce food sources: Store pet food, bird seed, and pantry items in sealed containers.
- Professional help: For larger infestations, pest control experts use advanced baiting and monitoring tools that ensure safe removal.
Preventing Future Infestations
Prevention is the most effective long-term solution. Trim tree branches away from the roofline, inspect attic vents regularly, and keep outdoor garbage secure. In Utah’s colder months, roof rats are drawn indoors for warmth, making seasonal inspections especially important. If you're looking for a pest control company that can help, then look no further! Western Pest Control offers rodent control to ensure your home is protected from any kind of rodent, including roof rats!