May in Houston means skyrocketing temperatures. You’re sweating so hard outside and you know your attic is even worse, reaching temperatures of up to 150℉ by mid-afternoon.
But if you’re assuming those temperatures will just “cook” the rats out of your attic, we’ve got bad news. There’s no such thing as natural pest control. While some rats might succumb to the heat, that heat also means the body will decay faster, a situation which could ruin your home’s habitability.
Why do rats remain in the attic when the temperature rises?
While the air in the center of your attic is indeed blistering, rats are masters of seeking out “microclimates.” Heat rises, and the hottest air is trapped near the peak of your roof.
Down at floor level, where your thick layers of insulation meet the ceiling drywall of your air-conditioned living space, it is significantly cooler.
Furthermore, rodents exploit the “soffit breeze.” If your attic is properly vented, there is a constant intake of relatively cooler air through the soffits. Rats will burrow deep into the insulation right next to these vents, effectively creating a wind tunnel for themselves.
They aren’t living in the 150℉ air, they are living in a 75℉ burrow inches away from your cool ceiling.
Does heat make rodents more dangerous?
It can. When temperatures rise, rats become desperate for water. They’ll try to find it by chewing through plastic PEX plumbing lines or AC condensate drains, all to get a drink. They won’t roam farther than your attic in their search for hydration: it’s right there, and they know it’s there.
They may also become more aggressive about finding ways into your living space. They know there’s water in your kitchen and your bathroom, too.
Can rats die of heat stroke?
While rats can die from heat stroke, it rarely happens in a Houston attic. Not only do they seek microclimates, they are also nocturnal. They spend the hottest hours of the day in a state of torpor, minimizing movement in the coolest corners.
Once the sun goes down and the roof begins to radiate its heat away, the rats become active again.
But trust us, you don’t want any rats dying of heat stroke. A single rat carcass can produce an overwhelming stench. In just 24 hours that smell can permeate your entire home. The smell also attracts insects.
Your house can become downright uninhabitable in the course of a day.
Don’t wait until July!
By the time July hits, your insulation may be so compacted by nesting that your electric bill will begin spiking right alongside your temperature. Rodent populations grow fast. If you suspect you have rats, rely on us, not a myth.
Contact us to schedule your free inspection today.