High Priority

Roof Rats in Southwest Florida

Roof rats are the dominant rodent species in Lee County. They are excellent climbers and prefer the upper areas of structures: attics, soffits, and roof lines. They can squeeze through an opening as small as half an inch.

Peak activity: Year-round, peaks November-March when food sources drop

(239) 317-5326

How to Identify Roof Rats

Look for these specific characteristics before treatment.

Slender build, 6-8 inches body length with a tail longer than the body
Dark gray to black fur
Scratching and scurrying sounds in the ceiling at night
Droppings the size and shape of rice, often in attic insulation
Gnawed wiring, insulation, or AC ducts in the attic
Grease marks along rafters and entry points

Roof Rats

Black Rat / Ship Rat

High Priority

Not sure what you are seeing? Call us and describe the bug.

(239) 317-5326

Why Roof Rats Are a Problem

Roof rats chew electrical wiring, which is a leading cause of house fires. They also contaminate insulation with urine and droppings, spread leptospirosis, and trigger respiratory issues from accumulated waste in attic spaces.

How We Treat Roof Rats

Full inspection to find all entry points, followed by snap trap placement inside the structure. Once the active population is eliminated, we seal every gap, hole, and pipe penetration larger than half an inch with hardware cloth and caulk. Sanitation recommendations included.

Every treatment plan is tailored to your property and pest pressure. Jason does a full assessment before recommending an approach.

Ready to eliminate roof rats?

Call now for a free assessment, or request a callback and Jason will reach out within 2 hours.

(239) 317-5326

Roof Rats Treatment Across Southwest Florida

We serve homeowners throughout Lee and Collier counties.

Fort Myers

Lee County

Cape Coral

Lee County

Naples

Collier County

Bonita Springs

Lee County

Estero

Lee County

Lehigh Acres

Lee County

North Fort Myers

Lee County

Fort Myers Beach

Lee County

Sanibel

Lee County

Captiva

Lee County

Roof Rats Questions, Answered

Roof rats enter through gaps as small as a quarter (about 1 inch in diameter). Common entry points include gaps where soffit meets the roofline, open vents without screens, gaps around pipe penetrations, and damaged fascia boards. Trim tree branches within 3 feet of your roofline, as roof rats use them as a bridge.

The most common first sign is scratching or scurrying sounds in the ceiling or walls at night, since roof rats are nocturnal. You may also notice droppings in the attic (rice-shaped, dark brown), gnawed wiring insulation, or chewed AC ductwork. Grease smears along rafters from their oily fur are another indicator.

Yes. Snap traps are used rather than rodenticide bait stations in attic spaces. There are no chemicals involved, no need to vacate, and the traps pose no risk to pets or children who cannot access the attic. We check and reset traps until the active population is eliminated.

Exclusion is the only permanent solution. After eliminating the population, we seal every entry point with hardware cloth, caulk, and foam. We also recommend keeping fruit trees harvested, removing bird feeders, and trimming any branches that overhang the roofline. Without exclusion, new rats find their way back within months.

Pest Profile

Know Your Enemy

Before Jason can eliminate them, you need to know what you are dealing with.

SW Florida Pest Authority

WANTED

Dead or Eliminated

DANGEROUS

Roof Rats

a.k.a. Rattus rattus, Black Rat

Known Crimes

1.Chewing electrical wiring — a leading cause of house fires
2.Contaminating attic insulation with urine and droppings
3.Entering structures through gaps the size of a quarter
4.Spreading leptospirosis via urine in puddles and standing water

Last SeenScratching in your ceiling at 1am

Reward

Quiet nights and intact wiring

Contact SW Florida Pest Authority

(239) 317-5326

Related Pests

Ghost Ants

Ghost ants are the most common ant species inside Fort Myers...

Dealing with roof rats? Call us today.

Jason has been eliminating roof rats from Southwest Florida homes for over 20 years. Same-day assessments available.

(239) 317-5326