Roof rats are becoming a growing concern in Tennessee’s warm, humid climate. These pests aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause serious damage to insulation, wiring, and even the structure of your roof. Many homeowners don’t realize roof rats have moved in until they begin hearing noises or discovering visible damage.
At Bluebird Roofing, we’ve helped Middle Tennessee homeowners protect their roofs for more than 15 years. When roof rats make their way into your attic or roofline, our team can inspect, repair, and secure your roofing system to help prevent future infestations. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home safe.
What Are Roof Rats and Why Are They Common in Tennessee?
Roof rats are agile climbers that prefer high spaces such as attics, rafters, ceilings, and rooflines. They thrive in Tennessee for a few key reasons:
• Tennessee’s mild winters and humid climate allow roof rats to stay active year-round.
• Dense tree coverage throughout Middle Tennessee creates natural pathways straight to your roof.
• They commonly enter through small gaps in roofs, vents, soffits, and eaves—sometimes openings as small as a quarter.
Once they find their way into your attic or roofline, they can nest, chew, and move around unseen for months before homeowners notice the signs.
How Can You Tell If You Have Roof Rats?
Roof rats tend to be most active at night, but they leave several noticeable signs behind. You may have roof rats if you notice:
• Scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic or walls at night
• Droppings that are pointed and about ¼ to ½ inch long
• Gnaw marks on wood framing, wiring, or stored items
• Grease trails and urine stains along rafters or siding
• Musky odors from nests or droppings
• Visible attic damage such as torn insulation or even chewed fruit in the garden
If you’re noticing more than one of these symptoms, there’s a good chance rats are active inside your roof or attic space.
What Kind of Damage Can Roof Rats Cause?
Roof rats can create costly, dangerous damage in a short amount of time. Common problems include:
• Electrical hazards: Gnawed wires can lead to shorts or house fires.
• Structural weakening: Roof decking, insulation, beams, and rafters may be chewed or tunneled through.
• Contamination: Food, stored items, and attic materials can be tainted with droppings and urine.
• Roof deterioration: Rat activity can loosen shingles, damage vents, and worsen existing leaks.
Because roof rats prefer high areas, your roof becomes the front line of damage and the place where repairs are most often needed.
How Do You Get Rid of Roof Rats for Good?
Removing roof rats requires a combination of exclusion, sanitation, and prevention. Homeowners can start by:
• Sealing entry points: Patch cracks, holes, and gaps in the roof, vents, and eaves.
• Eliminating food sources: Store trash, compost, and pet food in sealed containers.
• Trimming nearby tree branches: Keep limbs cut back to reduce access to the roof.
• Setting traps or baits: Use these carefully around children and pets.
• Cleaning up debris: Remove woodpiles and clutter that can serve as nesting areas.
However, the most important step is closing off the points where rats entered—this is where a professional roofer becomes essential.
When Should You Call a Professional for Roof Rat Problems?
You should contact a professional when:
• Scratching noises continue even after using traps or repellents
• New droppings appear or damage seems to worsen
• Wiring, insulation, or roof components show visible signs of chewing
• You’re unsure how rats are entering the home
At Bluebird Roofing, we frequently work alongside pest control experts. While pest professionals remove the rats, we repair the damage and seal the entry points to help keep them from returning.
How Can You Prevent Roof Rats from Coming Back?
Prevention is key once your home has been cleared of roof rats. To keep them from returning, consider the following:
• Schedule annual roof inspections to catch gaps or weak points early
• Ensure proper attic ventilation to reduce moisture that attracts pests
• Use durable metal flashing or mesh to block vents and small openings
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the roofline
• Maintain clean gutters to eliminate debris that can be used for nesting
These steps significantly reduce the chances of rodents finding their way back into your roof.
Why Trust Bluebird Roofing for Roof Rat Damage Repairs
Homeowners throughout Middle Tennessee choose Bluebird Roofing because:
• We have 15+ years of local experience working with Tennessee roofing systems
• Our team is trained to spot and repair rodent-related roof damage that often goes unnoticed
• We prioritize long-term, preventative solutions, not quick temporary repairs
• We’re committed to protecting your home with honesty, transparency, and craftsmanship
When roof rats cause damage, it’s important to work with a roofing company that understands the unique challenges of both roofing and rodent entry points.
Protect Your Roof and Home Today
Don’t let roof rats cause costly or dangerous damage to your home.
Contact Bluebird Roofing today for a complimentary roof inspection and a professional assessment of any rodent-related damage.
We’re here to help you protect your home and we will start from the top.
Expert Roofing Services in Franklin, TN & Surrounding Neighborhoods
Bluebird Roofing is committed to providing premium roofing services that go above and beyond your expectations. As your trusted advocate and roofing expert, we focus on giving you outstanding support when protecting the things that matter most. We ensure excellence in our craft and clear communication at every stage of the process, so you can rest assured knowing your roof is in good hands.
We proudly serve: Westhaven, Fieldstone Farms, McKay’s Mill, Avalon, Berry Farms, Forrest Crossing, Sullivan’s Farms, Ladd Park, Cool Springs East, Lockwood Glen, and the entire Franklin area.
For trusted roofing expertise in Franklin, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact Bluebird Roofing today! Call (615) 920-1767 or Schedule a Free Home Evaluation online.
