We’re available
They’re silent. They’re sneaky. And they’re above your head right now thinking how to get rid of these menacing pests out of your home. Roof rats are stealthy climbers that cause trouble beyond the night, like spies making moves while you sleep. During the day, they disappear into hiding, but make no mistake, they’re plotting their next move. So, where exactly do roof rats go during the day? And do they ever leave the safety of your roof?
Let’s shine a light on the dark, hidden world of these elusive invaders.
Only when desperation strikes rats will take the risk of making an appearance during the day.
Roof rats are expert climbers that nest in high, hidden spaces. Warm, undisturbed spots like attics and ceilings become their home, where they breed and wait for nightfall.
Rats are nocturnal. While you’re enjoying the day sipping your morning coffee or bingeing TV in the afternoon, they’re dead silent during the day, sleeping soundly just metres away or above the roof. But once the sun sets in the dark, it’s their game time to spy in your home. They slip out under the cover of darkness to scavenge, steal, and gnaw their way through your home. If you’re hearing bumps in the night, they’re not ghosts, but they’re rats.
They rarely leave their high nests during the day unless they’re starving. If food is scarce or their nest has been disturbed, they may risk a daylight appearance. Seeing a rat scurrying around in the open is a serious red flag. It means they’re desperate, and desperate rats take desperate measures. They’ll be bold, destructive, and ready to take over every corner of your home.
They are also a believer in the saying ‘time is gold’ because rats don’t waste time. Once they’ve found a safe spot in your roof or walls, they start nesting. With access to shredded insulation, paper, leaves, and fabric, they build cosy dens that are hard to find and even harder to clear out. What starts with one rat can quickly spiral into a full-blown infestation. And by the time you spot a nest, there’s likely more you haven’t seen.
You won’t always see roof rats. But you’ll hear them. A faint scuttling in the roof. Scratching in the walls. The unsettling creak of movement overhead. These are the sounds of a silent invasion. If you ignore them, rats will take that opportunity to multiply. Act quickly, and you can stop the infestation before it spreads beyond your roof.
Roof rats are more than a nuisance. They’re dangerous. They carry disease, start electrical fires by gnawing wires, and contaminate everything they touch. Once they’re inside your home, they don’t leave unless you make them. And every day you wait is another day they settle in. Don’t give them that chance to make a lair in your home. They are not guests, but they should be pests that have no place in your home.
How do you get rid of rats in your roof? Learn a few tips here.
You don’t have to live with the noise, mess, and health risks. If you want to eliminate rats in your property, our licensed pest control experts can inspect your property, remove active infestations, and block access to future invaders. We are trained professionals who know exactly where to look and how to stop them from coming back into your own home.
Our Sydney Pest Crew team can locate nests, seal off entry points, and protect your home from future invasions. Because with rats, it’s not just about getting them out. It’s about keeping them out.
Call your local pest control specialists now and evict these rooftop squatters once and for all.
Is rat poison safe for homes with pets?
Only if it’s inside a tamper-proof bait station. Never leave loose bait out in the open. If you’ve got pets or small kids, let the pest controller know so they can use the safest method.
What is the difference between mice and rat infestations?
Mice are smaller and sneakier. They can squeeze through tiny gaps and often go unnoticed for longer. Rats are bigger, noisier, and cause more visible damage. Both are a problem, just in different ways.
How often should I inspect my roof for rats?
Twice a year is a good habit, once before winter when rats are looking for warmth, and again in spring. But if you hear noises or spot any signs, don’t wait.
Where do roof rats live during the day?
Roof rats are most active at night, using the dark hours to forage for food. During the day, they hide away in their nests, usually built in high spots like trees, attics, or above drop ceilings. Their quiet, hidden lifestyle often makes them hard to detect during the early stages of an infestation.
What do rats in the roof sound like?
Rats in the loft often make scurrying or scratching noises, especially at night when they’re most active. Their movements can sound heavier and louder than mice. You might also hear loud gnawing sounds as they chew through wood, wires, or insulation. Rats can squeeze into tight spaces, often nesting in loft insulation and inside cavity walls.
