One evening we detected scratching coming from the ceiling. A visit to the attic the following morning revealed long, cylindrical pellets on the attic floorboards that appeared larger than mouse droppings.

We decided that we had dreaded “roof rats.” Roof rats are nocturnal and may live near the ground, but usually they frequent the attics, rafters and crossbeams of buildings.

Roof rats breed throughout the year, with two peaks of production, February and March and again in May and June.

A typical roof rat is dark brown, and from 13 to 18 inches long. They typically make runways along pipes, beams or wires, up and down the wall studs, or along the horizontal ceiling joists.
The pest control pros that we consulted suggested using snap traps, especially for families with small children or pets.

In just a couple of weeks we trapped several rats. We were particularly successful when setting two traps side by side.

Roof rats and droppings can transmit such diseases as the bubonic plague and typhus. When handling rodents, be sure to use the following precautions:
Use rubber gloves.

Apply household disinfectants at maximum recommended concentrations to dead rodents, rodent droppings, nest areas, and allow at least 15 minutes contact time before removal.

Clean the affected area with paper towels or a mop. Do not sweep or vacuum!
Controlling rats by making it impossible for them to enter your home is the best way to eliminate them. You can do this by closing gaps between roof jacks and vent pipes; weather stripping all four sides of your garage door; repairing foundation and attic vents; and sealing any opening larger than one-half inch around your home and roof.

Trim trees back from the house at least 4 feet and thin vines and bushes; don’t leave pet food outside; and pick fruit as soon as it is ripe and quickly dispose of any fallen fruit.

source : www.indystar.com