Rats Chewing Through Roof Vents

These entry points need to be sealed in order to prevent rats from entering the structure through roof vents.

Rats chewing through roof vents.

Rats can chew through some weaker types of concrete like cinder blocks but even their powerful teeth can t overcome solid concrete. Though they may be cute these critters can cause major damage by chewing on housing materials and eating stored foods. But rats of all these animals are the most destructive. Seal roof soffits and vents with a material rats don t like to eat.

One common style of vent that is located on the roof is commonly called a j vent. Steel wool for instance or a mesh screen. If your house has a solid concrete foundation it s very unlikely that rats will be able to get in through the floor. Rats climb down and get into your plumbing system and get into your home through the toilet.

The soil vents also known as a vent stack can let rats into your home. If you have overhanging trees textured walls or anything that would let a rat climb on your roof then you should have aluminum screens installed on all your soil vents. If you think overhead utility wires are serving as a highway contact your utility. Skittish smooth furred and not well adapted to cooler temperatures roof rats are often mistaken for house mice.

In late fall roof rats seek out warm nesting sites like the upper levels of your home or garage. They typically hide in an attic and will chew through almost anything including plastic wood metal drywall and many other materials to get where they want to go.