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Scratching in the attic at night?
In Bradenton and Sarasota it’s usually roof rats. They’re climbers that live in palms, fruit trees and attics, and they come out after dark. Here’s how to tell what’s up there and how we get them out.
Inspection firstthen a price once we’ve seen your home.
Signs of roof rats
Noises after dark
Scratching, scurrying or gnawing in the attic, walls or ceiling, mostly at night.
Droppings
Dark, about half an inch long with pointed ends, in the attic, garage, cabinets or along walls.
Fruit eaten on the tree
Oranges and other fruit hollowed out while still hanging, with just the peel left. A classic roof rat sign.
Gnawed wires and boxes
Chewed wiring, insulation, AC ducts, boxes and stored food.
Rub marks
Dark, greasy smudges along beams, pipes and the edges of the openings they use.
Rats on the roofline
Rats running along fences, power lines or palm fronds around dusk.
What’s in the attic?
When you hear it is the biggest clue.
| Animal | When you hear it | What it sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| Roof rats | At night, starting around dusk | Fast scratching, scurrying and gnawing |
| Mice | At night | Light, quick scratching in walls and cabinets |
| Squirrels | In the daytime, mostly early morning and late afternoon | Running, rolling and scratching |
| Raccoons | At night | Heavy thumps and walking, sometimes chattering |
How rats get into Florida homes
A rat can squeeze through a hole about the size of a quarter.
Roof lines and soffits
Gaps where the roof meets the soffit or fascia, and loose soffit vents.
Gable and roof vents
Torn or rusted vent screens are an easy way in.
AC lines and pipes
Openings where AC lines, plumbing and cables enter the house.
Trees and palms
Branches and fronds that touch the roof work like a bridge.
Garage doors
Worn or missing seals along the bottom and sides.
How we get them out
We inspect
We find where they’re living and, most of all, how they’re getting in.
We get them out
We remove the rats and mice that are already inside.
We seal the way in
Exclusion: we seal the entry points so new ones can’t move in.
Rats in the attic questions
Ask Pete anything else, day or night, in English or Spanish.
Should I seal the holes myself?
It’s best to get the rats out first. Sealing them in can leave them to chew new holes or die inside the walls.
How should I clean up rat droppings?
Wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant and let it soak for a few minutes before wiping them up. Don’t sweep or vacuum them dry, because that stirs up dust.
Are roof rats common in Bradenton?
Yes. Roof rats are common across Florida. They’re good climbers and often live in palms, fruit trees and attics.
How much does rat removal cost?
We give you a price after we’ve seen your home and how they’re getting in. See rodent and wildlife control.
More guides
Rodents and wildlife
Rats and mice removed and sealed out, plus raccoon trapping.
Bee hive removal
Hives in walls, soffits, porch roofs and trees, removed.
Palmetto bugs
Why big roaches show up after rain, and how to keep them out.
Ready when you are.
Pick an open weekday and arrival window online, or text us at 941-896-2852 for the fastest reply, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
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Scratching in the attic at night?We find how they get in and seal it.
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