Although these rats can cause extensive damage to homes over time, their cousin the roof rat is a much more destructive pest. Roof rats like to make their home in attics, on roofs, in citrus trees or in palm trees. These skilled climbers have been seen walking on telephone wires from building to building.
The roof rat, sometimes called the black rat, is a common vertebrate pest in citrus and nut orchards. In citrus, it builds leaf and twig nests in trees or it can nest in debris piles, thick mulch on the ground, or in shallow burrows under the tree, especially in hot weather.
Roof rats are especially fond of avocados (Photo 1) and other sweet citrus fruits such as Mandarin and Oro Blanco grapefruit, and they frequently damage fruits that are still hanging on the tree. Photo 2. Viewed from below, hollowed-out oranges hanging in a tree don't look as damaged.
Rats will also gnaw on the bark and branches of citrus trees. Contrary to this, it has been reported that rats will eat the pulp of oranges and pomegranates but not the rind or outer covering. It is not understood why but lemon peels and pomegranate juice is high in Vitamin C and calcium.
However, be we urban or rural dwellers, we are not the only creatures that enjoy the ripe fruit hanging on our trees. Rattus rattus, the naked-tailed roof rat, a nonnative but ubiquitous local resident, has a fondness for many of our backyard fruits with a special affinity for oranges.
Essential oils that may be helpful in repelling rats and mice include peppermint oil, lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil. You can make an essential oil spray by mixing 2 teaspoons of oil with 1 cup of water or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
Roof rats eat a lot of different fruits. Their preferred produce is avocado and citrus fruit. These rats are known to eat fruit right off the tree. With some fruits, such as lemons, roof rats eat the rind but leave the flesh.
Although these rats can cause extensive damage to homes over time, their cousin the roof rat is a much more destructive pest. Roof rats like to make their home in attics, on roofs, in citrus trees or in palm trees. These skilled climbers have been seen walking on telephone wires from building to building.
Add Rat Guards: Norway rats and roof rats are incredible climbers. They will climb siding, chimneys, and trees. You can add metal sheets or sturdy plastic to the trunks of your fruit trees, to help prevent rodents from climbing.
Household items with strong scents: Since rats have a strong sense of smell, any household items can also help with an infestation. Peppermint oil, citronella oil, and ammonia are some of the items you can use to deter rats. Soak a cotton ball in these items and place it near walls and areas with high rodent activity.
Roof rats are drawn to any accessible food sources, so clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard and keep garbage in tightly covered receptacles. Be sure to also store pet food and other dry food in sealed containers.
In a pure and concentrated form, citrus oils work well at naturally repelling rats, and they don't smell bad like some other natural rat repellents.
Plant ivy, palm trees, juniper bushes, and cypress trees to attract rats. These plants and trees make wonderful homes for them. 11. Leave ripped or ill-fitted vent screens alone so rats can have easy access into crawl spaces.
Bait with Rodenticides
Bait stations using rodenticides (rat poison) are effective ways to get rid of rats permanently. To give yourself the best possible chance of catching a rat in the trap, keep the bait small and in the centre of the trap.
Outside, roof rats can be found nesting high up in trees. However, these rodents can also be found living in burrows under plants, dense vegetation, and in woodpiles.
First, you can plant herbs around your garden, sort of like a protective wall to repel rodents. Herbs that have the strongest smells such as mint (especially peppermint), catnip, rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano, and basil are the most effective plants at keeping these unwelcome creatures away.
Roof rats are a common rodent problem in coastal and southern states, especially near seaports. Roof rats are often found nesting high up in trees, but also in burrows under plants. They are also likely to infest basements, areas under buildings and sewers as well as higher places in structures.
They are nocturnal like other rats, but have a unique preference for heights. They have a sense of security traveling on utility lines, tree branches, fence tops, etc. They nest in dense vegetation such as the tops of palm trees or vines and are the most common rodent species found in attics.
Raptors, including hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, are common predators. Red tail hawks, found across most of North America, and American kestrels, the smallest falcon in North America, will hunt rats by day. The barn owl, known for its characteristic round and white face, is a common nocturnal predator.
Sheets of metal can be wrapped around the trunks of the fruit trees to keep rats from climbing into the tree from the ground. This should only be used after trimming. Branches that are touching wires, the home or other trees will allow the rats to travel in that way instead.
Traps to Get Rid of Roof Rats
Dried fruits and nuts are the best bait to use, but peanut butter, insects, dental floss, and snail shells can also be effective baits. Start by baiting the area for a few days before laying the trap, so the rats get used to it.
The pungent smell of vinegar is also a natural way to repel mice and rats. These pests cannot stand the sharp scent of vinegar, which means it can be used as an effective rodent repellent.
Some people have found that they can deter rats from coming onto their property by using certain smells and aromas. The most effective smells are essential oils, specifically; peppermint, castor, and citronella. These are good choices because while their smell is powerful, many people also find the aromas pleasant.