Roof Rats and Rats in the Attic in Beaverton
Not every Beaverton rat lives underground. The roof rat is slender, with big ears, a pointed snout and a tail longer than its body, and OSU Extension notes that it nests above ground, in plants or in buildings. Around here that means thick ivy on a fence or tree trunk, dense hedges, and attics.
If you hear running overhead at night, it may be a roof rat, or a Norway rat that found a way up. Either way, the provider will check the attic and every route leading to it.
How Rats Get Up There
They need a way up and a way in:
- Ivy and other vines climbing the siding or the chimney
- Tree limbs touching the roof or the gutters
- Spots where the roofline steps down over a garage
- Torn or missing screens on roof vents and gable vents
- Openings around attic fans and exhaust vents
Signs in the Attic
Look for droppings along the tops of the walls and on any ducts, tunnels through the insulation and chewed wiring. A strong musty smell is common. Outside, check for dark rub marks where they squeeze in, and gnawed fruit in the yard if you have apple or plum trees.
Clearing the Attic and Closing It Up
Roof rat traps go where the rats travel, off the ground. OSU Extension suggests setting outdoor triggers at dusk so birds don't get caught. The openings get closed with hardware cloth and metal. Then the ivy and branches have to come back off the house, or the rats will be back to test the work. Rodent exclusion covers the materials.
If the insulation is soiled, ask about attic cleanup once the rats are gone. It's much like crawl space cleanup, only above you instead of below.
Questions People Ask
Do I have to rip out all the ivy?
Not all of it. Keep it off the house, off the fence near the house and off any tree trunk that touches the roof. The blackberry and ivy guide explains why.
Could it be squirrels in the attic?
It could. Squirrels move around mostly by day and rats mostly at night. This line handles rats, mice and voles, so if it turns out to be squirrels you'll want a wildlife company.
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