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Over the last decade, roof rats have become more common throughout the Las Vegas area. Aside from their ability to carry diseases, these rodents also chew on wiring in attics and crawl spaces, leading to home fires. The pest control specialists at Surefire Pest Control want to help keep your family safe, so they've created a handy guide for preventing roof rat infestation.

What Are Roof Rats?

Roof rats are a relatively new rodent to the Southwest United States. Originally from Europe, these pests were first identified in Nevada in 1990. While none of the roof rats tested there have been found to carry the plague, they can, in fact, carry dangerous diseases.

They can be identified by their appearance. Unlike other breeds of rats, the roof rat is easily distinguishable by its tail which is the longest part of its body and doesn't grow any hair. The rats are usually black or dark brown and don't become active until the sun sets.

These pests often make their way to the Las Vegas area through shipments from out of state. They love fruit trees which have become a favorite landscaping import in recent years.

How to Prevent Roof Rats

When roof rats find their way into a neighborhood, they begin their infestation quickly. According to the pest control experts, you can avoid these new housemates by taking a few precautions:

  • pest control Las Vegas, NevadaUse Containers: Roof rats can easily gnaw through cardboard and plastic bags, so invest in thick plastic or metal containers for your pantry. Items like cereal, bread, and chips will make a quick and easy meal for the rodent, so be sure to transfer them into rat proof containers.

  • Don't Leave Out Pet Food: If your pantry items are safely stored away, these pests will be happy to move on to pet food. Since roof rats are mostly active during the nighttime hours, place your pet’s dry kibble in a sturdy container overnight to prevent it from inviting rats in while you're sleeping.

  • No Standing Water: Even rats need water to survive, so avoid tempting these pests into your home by avoiding standing water in your yard.

If you suspect you may have a roof rat infestation or you've heard they've moved into the area, call the best pest control company in Las Vegas — Surefire Pest Control. These highly trained and trusted pest control specialists will quickly identify signs of roof rats in your home as well as offer advice to prevent potential infestations. Call them today for an inspection at (702) 423-7463, and learn about their full list of pest control services on their website.

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