Wildlife of Tennessee · Squirrels and Rodents
Roof Rat in Tennessee
A climber that gets into attics from tree limbs and wires. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Roof Rat
Squirrels and rodents are among the most common wildlife in Tennessee attics, walls and crawl spaces. They chew wiring and ducts, shred insulation and breed quickly, so a small problem grows fast.
We Remove It
Risk: A climber that gets into attics from tree limbs and wires.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a roof rat.
- Running along power lines and fences
- Scratching in the attic and upper walls at night
- Gnawed fruit, nuts and pet food
How We Handle It
What We Do About the Roof Rat
We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.
Prevention
Keep Them Away
Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.
- Trim branches 6 to 8 feet away from the roof
- Seal gaps with steel mesh, not foam
- Store pet food and seed in sealed containers
- Keep firewood and clutter away from the house
Similar Animals
More Squirrels and Rodents
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Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Chews wiring and ducts, and a wire fire is the biggest danger.
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Eastern Fox Squirrel
Sciurus niger
Bigger and bolder than a gray squirrel, with the same chewing habit.
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Southern Flying Squirrel
Glaucomys volans
Often in groups, they soil insulation and are rarely noticed until the attic is full.
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Eastern Chipmunk
Tamias striatus
Burrows can undermine walls and steps, and they raid gardens.
Free Tool
What Animal Is It? Identifier
Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
Identify the AnimalSquirrel or Rat? How to Tell Who Is Overhead
Both squirrels and rats can live in the attic, but they need different solutions. The clues are in the timing, the damage and the droppings.
Read the guide
Seasons and Baby SeasonFall Is Rodent Season: Prep Your Home Now
When fall arrives, mice and rats start looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Your garage and kitchen are on their list.
Read the guide
PreventionHow to Wildlife-Proof Your Home: A Room-by-Room Checklist
Most wildlife problems can be prevented. Here is a simple walk-through of your home from the roof down.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a roof rat?
Common signs: running along power lines and fences; scratching in the attic and upper walls at night; gnawed fruit, nuts and pet food.
Is a roof rat dangerous?
A climber that gets into attics from tree limbs and wires. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a roof rat?
We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Free Estimate
Tell Us What Is Going On
Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Get Your Free Estimate
Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
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