Roof rats are a common species of rodent. They are dark brown or black, with gray highlights running throughout their fur. Their noses are pointed and they have big, dark-colored eyes and large ears. Their ears and tails are usually void of hair. Adults grow to about 8 inches in length and their tails add another 6-8 inches to their total body length.

Roof rats have a long, slim build and are great climbers. They often find their way into homes and buildings along the roof. All rodents have front incisors that continuously grow throughout their life. To prevent their teeth from overgrowing they constantly chew on objects, making them damaging pests.

Outside, roof rats like to nest high in trees, but will also burrow under plants, dense vegetation, buildings, or inside wood or rock piles. They also commonly find their way into homes and other structures while foraging for food. Inside, roof rats live and nest in the upper levels of buildings, such as in attics and chimneys, behind walls, and above ceilings. Roof rats can create many problems for home and business owners including introducing disease, contaminating food, and causing structural damage throughout buildings.

To prevent roof rats you should seal the spaces found in your home's foundation, roofline, and exterior walls to prevent easy access into your home. Make sure that all chimneys have tight-fitting caps on them and cut tree limbs away from the exterior of your home. Outdoor trash cans and compost bins should also have tight-fitting lids. Pet food should be picked up between feedings, and wild animal feeders should be removed from your property. Eliminate easy access to water sources by maintaining gutters and downspouts.

Raccoons are a species of nocturnal mammal that are commonly found in wooded areas and close to water. However, they have the potential to live in any urban, suburban, or rural area. Raccoons are most known for their distinctive markings; a black "mask" of fur covering their eyes. They have black and gray ringed tails and thick fur that is salt and pepper colored. They grow to about the same size as an average house cat. Raccoons also have long, slender feet and finger-like toes. Raccoons' hind legs are longer than their front legs, giving them a hunched appearance as they walk.

Outside, raccoons are typically found living in the cavities of trees, in the crevices of rocks, and in the abandoned burrows of other animals. Raccoons are omnivores and feed on a wide variety of things including fruits, berries, corn, pet food, insects, crayfish, eggs, and rodents. Raccoons can become a big problem for homeowners. They dig through trash, and damage gardens and compost areas. Raccoons also damage siding, roof shingles, and chimneys while creating an entrance and exit into homes, garages, and sheds. They introduce fleas, ticks, and mites onto your property and into your home and transmit dangerous diseases, including rabies, to people and pets.

Raccoon prevention tips include placing wire mesh around decks, sheds, and similar structures to keep raccoons from nesting underneath them, trimming tree branches away from the outside of your home, and picking up uneaten pet food. You should also make sure that vents leading into your home have tight-fitting covers over them. Be sure to repair any loose window screens or other large openings into your home. Outdoor garbage cans and compost bins should have tight-fitting lids on them. Place vegetable gardens a distance away from the outside of your home or commercial building.