Rodent Control Services for Rats & Mice Near Me
Seeing a rat or mouse inside, hearing scratching in the walls, or finding droppings in the same spot repeatedly? Rodents are not just a nuisance—they can spread serious diseases, contaminate food, damage insulation and wiring, and multiply quickly if not controlled. This guide explains how to identify rodent activity, the differences between rats and mice, why infestations escalate fast, and how professional rodent control protects your home long-term.
Quick Takeaway: Rodents Multiply Fast and Damage Homes Quietly
Rats and mice invade homes for food, water, and shelter—and they can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Once inside, they contaminate surfaces with droppings and urine, introduce parasites (fleas, ticks, lice), and chew materials to build nests and travel. The safest approach is a professional plan that identifies entry points, removes active rodents, and helps prevent re-entry.
- Droppings in the same area usually indicates a consistent travel path
- Scratching or movement in walls is a common early sign
- Rodents can enter through holes as small as 1/4 inch
- Fast action prevents rapid population growth
Why Rodent Problems Are Urgent
A rodent infestation can mean big problems for a homeowner. Rats and mice can spread disease, contaminate food, and bring parasites like fleas, lice, and ticks into your living space. Beyond health concerns, rodents also chew through materials to build nests, create travel routes, and access food—leading to costly property damage.
Don’t wait for “more proof”
If you’re seeing droppings, hearing movement, or spotting rodents inside—even once—it’s a strong sign of ongoing activity. Early inspection makes control easier, safer, and less expensive.
Three Easy Ways to Identify a Rodent Infestation
- Seeing a rodent in your living space (especially at night, near kitchens, garages, or storage areas)
- Hearing rats or mice in the walls (scratching, scurrying, or movement in ceilings/attics)
- Finding droppings repeatedly in the same location (rat droppings are typically larger than mouse droppings)
Why droppings “in the same spot” matters
Rodents often follow the same routes along walls and edges. Repeated droppings in one area can reveal their travel path, nesting zone, or a food source they’re returning to.
Sounds in the walls aren’t “normal”
Scratching and movement in walls/ceilings often indicates active nesting or travel routes—especially during cooler months when rodents seek warmth indoors.
Pests Commonly Confused with Rodents
Rats and mice are often confused with one another. The easiest way to distinguish them is by size: rats are much larger than mice. Identifying the right pest helps determine the best control strategy.
Why correct identification matters
Rats and mice can behave differently, nest in different areas, and require different placement strategies for control. A professional inspection confirms which rodent is present and where activity is concentrated.
What Do Rodents Look Like?
Rats (commonly Norway rat)
Brown, heavy-bodied, typically 6–8 inches long with small eyes and ears and a blunt nose. The tail is usually shorter than the head and body. Fur often appears shaggy.
Mice (commonly house mouse)
Small and slender, typically 3–4 inches long with large ears, small eyes, and a pointed nose. Fur can be light brown to light gray.
Quick field clue
If it looks “large and bold,” it’s often a rat. If it looks “tiny and quick,” it’s often a mouse. Either way, professional inspection is the safest way to confirm.
Behavior: Where Rodents Nest & When They’re Most Active
Rodents are year-round pests, but many infestations become more noticeable during cooler seasons when they seek warmth and steady food.
Rats
Rats often nest in underground burrows and enter buildings to search for food. They’re active year-round but can surge in fall and winter as they move toward warmth and shelter.
Mice
Mice invade seeking food, water, and warmth. They are especially active in fall and winter and once established, they rarely leave unless forced out through control and exclusion.
Why mouse problems explode
Rodents reproduce quickly. Without control intervention, populations can grow rapidly—turning a “small problem” into a major infestation.
How Do You Get Rodents?
All rodents invade homes in search of food, water, and shelter. It doesn’t take much to leave yourself vulnerable: rodents can squeeze through a hole as small as 1/4 inch.
- Gaps under doors or damaged weather stripping
- Openings around pipes, cables, and utility lines
- Garage door gaps and poorly sealed corners
- Cluttered storage areas that provide nesting shelter
- Accessible food sources (pet food, pantry spills, trash)
What homeowners miss most often
Small exterior openings, garage gaps, and utility penetrations are common entry points. Professional inspection focuses on these “quiet” vulnerabilities that are easy to overlook.
Health Risks: Diseases & Parasites
Rats and mice can spread serious diseases. Exposure can happen through droppings, urine contamination, bites, and contamination of food and preparation surfaces. Rodents can also carry fleas, ticks, and lice, which can transmit diseases of their own.
If you find droppings or nesting materials, avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry debris. Disturbed droppings can contaminate air and surfaces. A professional plan includes safer handling guidance.
Home Damage: Chewing, Wiring, and Insulation
Rodents chew constantly. This behavior can damage your home as they build nests, create tunnels, and search for food. Common damage includes:
- Chewed wiring (a serious fire hazard)
- Damaged insulation in attics and walls
- Chewed wood and plastic around entry points
- Contaminated storage areas from urine and droppings
Important
If you suspect rodents in the attic or walls, act quickly. The longer they remain, the more damage and contamination can accumulate.
Reasons to Treat Your Rodent Problem Immediately
Rodent control should be treated as urgent for three main reasons:
- Health threats: Rats and mice can spread diseases (including salmonella and other serious illnesses) via droppings, bites, and food contamination.
- Property damage: Rodents chew through materials as they build nests, create tunnels, and access food— including wiring and insulation.
- Rapid reproduction: Rodents reproduce quickly. If left unchecked, small numbers can turn into large populations fast.
Our Proven 3-Step Rodent Extermination Process
We exterminate rodents in three steps—focused on identifying the source, removing active rodents, and preventing re-entry.
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Conduct a Free, Zero-Obligation Home Inspection
We identify where rodents are entering, where they’re nesting, and what’s attracting them. This includes inspecting common entry points and activity zones (kitchen, garage, attic, perimeter).
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Customize Your Home Protection Plan
We design a plan tailored to your home’s layout and rodent pressures. The plan addresses immediate removal and long-term protection so you’re not dealing with repeat infestations.
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Eliminate the Rodent Problem for Good
We remove active rodents and reinforce protective barriers. Because barriers can break down over time, ongoing service helps ensure your home stays protected and new rodents are addressed quickly.
Need help fast?
Call +1 (702) 588-7038 for a free rodent inspection. Same-day service may be available if you call before 2pm (depending on schedule).
Prevention Tips to Keep Rats & Mice Out
Professional rodent control works best when paired with simple prevention steps:
- Seal gaps around pipes, wiring, and utility penetrations
- Replace damaged door sweeps and weather stripping
- Store food (including pet food) in sealed containers
- Reduce clutter in garages and storage areas
- Keep trash bins sealed and clean up spills promptly
- Address outdoor harborage (debris piles, overgrown vegetation)
Simple rule
Remove food access, reduce hiding places, and close entry points—then maintain protection consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s worse—rats or mice?
Both can spread disease and cause damage. Rats are larger and can cause heavier damage, while mice can reproduce quickly and spread through small openings. The best approach is a professional inspection to target the right solution.
Why do I hear rodents at night?
Rodents are often more active at night. Scratching or movement in walls and ceilings can indicate travel routes or nesting activity.
Can rodents really fit through tiny holes?
Yes. Rodents can squeeze through very small openings—sometimes as small as 1/4 inch—especially young mice. That’s why exclusion and sealing is a key part of long-term prevention.
Do you offer same-day rodent service?
Same-day scheduling may be available depending on demand. Call +1 (702) 588-7038 to check availability.
Rodents rarely “go away” on their own. Early inspection and a long-term protection plan is the safest path for your home and health.
Stop Rats & Mice Before the Problem Grows
Get a free rodent inspection and a protection plan designed to eliminate active rodents, reduce health risks, and help prevent future invasions.
