We as homeowners are often only worried about the harsh weather and how it damages our homes, particularly the roof. But did you know that there is a kind of problem that is small but nonetheless as hazardous? They may not be as grand and menacing as a storm because of the fact that they are nocturnal and afraid of humans. However, they can be really harmful to your health if they aren’t dealt with immediately. We’re talking about the small but terrible rodents called roof rats. Below are FAQs about roof rats and how they relate to our homes, answered by contractors from Tedrick’s Roofing Inc.
Auburn Prevent Rats
Q: Why do roof rats enter a home?
A: Roof rats are rampant in a city like Des Moines due to its active agricultural industry. They have both places to nest and food to eat that are easily available. When the colder season starts, they’ll need a warmer place to reproduce so they search for homes with weak rooflines they can chew a hole in and enter. Hence, your Des Moines roofing is highly susceptible to this scenario.
Q: On what aspects do they affect households?
A: These rodents can chew on electrical wires which can cause fire and on water pipes which can cause leaks. We all know that repairs needed for these can be very expensive depending on the damage. Furthermore, most roof rats carry fleas and lice that can harm the health of residents and pets alike.
Auburn Rat Infesting
Q: What are the health risks they cause?
A: We are aware that a lot of diseases dangerous to humans like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Leptospirosis, Murine Typhus and Rat-bite fever are associated with these rodents’ urine, droppings or saliva. However, do not forget that they could also affect your pets if roof rats are infested with fleas. Below are some of the health problems your pets can get as listed in an article on waterlandblog.com:
• Flea allergy dermatitis: Not all pets become significantly itchy from flea bites, but those who have an allergy can become extremely uncomfortable. This is the most common skin problem we see.
• Flea Anemia: smaller dog and cats, young and old, or severe infestations can lead to significant blood loss. I have seen numerous pets, cats in particular, that required blood transfusions due to heavy flea burdens.
• Feline infectious Anemia: a microscopic organism carried by fleas that can be transmitted to cats. This organism attaches to red blood cells. The immune system then attacks and destroys the infected cells, leading to anemia
Auburn Rat Infestation
Q: As homeowners, what can we do to prevent a rat infestation?
A: You should tackle the root cause of the problem – how roof rats enter your home in the first place. A weak roofing system primarily is an easy target. We at Tedrick’s Roofing Inc. can conduct an inspection on your roof and find the possible entry points. Since we specialize in roof repair in Des Moines, we can reinforce your home using high quality materials such as from GAF, CertainTeed and IKO.
(Article Excerpt from Advertiser Priceless Pet Clinic wants to remind you about fleas and pets, The Waterland Blog, June 1, 2014)