At night, people can be heard for a sudden crack in the ceiling. The sound above the roof boards can be slight, almost as if something is moving slowly at first. A few nights later, it’s getting louder. Running sounds. Chewing. Movement in the walls.

At that juncture, homeowners realize they’re in for something with rats or mice.

Winter is a time of rodent trouble as colder weather forces them to seek shelter and warmth. Why? And that perfectly goes for rooftop areas. They have a cool, peaceful environment that remains relatively quiet for extended periods and is warm enough to provide sheltered areas for nesting once the temperature increases.

However, once rodents have settled into a roof, they seldom venture out without assistance. Why is this the case?

The belief that rats and mice only pose a threat in unclean environments is still held by many individuals. Honestly, that isn’t true. Rodents are a constant presence in well-managed homes.’ They move in, if you have the heat and find somewhere to eat nearby.

They may use an extremely small opening at times.

A loose roof tile. A damaged vent. Small opening around piping or fascia boards.ht. That’s often all it takes. Mice can traverse unexpected openings, while rats can gain high-speed ascent.

Noise is typically the first indicator.’ The.

When the house is quiet, you can hear people moving in until late at night. Scratching above the ceiling. Silent running sounds heard above the roof. Inside the walls of certain households, individuals can hear chewing.’

Following that, other signals start to emerge.

Indications placed in cabinets or the garage.’ Torn food packets. Odor in some areas of the house.’ At times, electrical issues arise and homeowners soon discover rodents gnawing on the roof wiring.

The situation takes a more serious turn there.

Rats and mice are not content to hide in one corner. They cause damage to insulation, piping, storage boxes, and electrical cables. As they remain, the situation typically worsens. Surprisingly fast numbers can increase during winter, once nesting is initiated.

Unfortunately, a significant number of people postpone action due to the belief that the problem will resolve itself.

It usually does not.

Certain aspects of a property can increase the likelihood of rodent problems during this time of year. A significant portion of pet food is left outside overnight. Hidden corners are available in overgrown gardens. Tree branches hanging over the roof make it easier for rats to reach.

Water leaks around the house can be a draw for rodents, which are constantly seeking shelter with food and water.

Small but effective preventative measures can make a significant difference:

• Trim the branches that are extending from the roof.
• Seal the openings that are noticeable on roofing and walls.
• Store food properly.
• Remove leaking pipes or wet areas.
• Maintain a clean garages and storage areas.
• Refrain from ignoring the scratching noises coming from the ceiling.

The key priority is to identify the issue as soon as possible.

Small rodents are more manageable than large ones that inhabit the roof area. The situation can quickly become problematic once they start breeding in the ceiling.

You may have just started to hear sounds above the roof at night – but you probably don’t think you are hearing that now.

This is when winter activity begins, and it is a time of real life for the rodents.

Call: 082 574 5455
Email: pestatermite@mweb.co.za