Rat control in Fairfield County, CT

Signs of rats

• Larger droppings, often near burrows, garages or trash areas
• Greasy rub marks along walls and beams
• Gnaw marks and holes in wood, siding or soffits
• Burrows along foundations, under sheds or decks
• Noises in walls or attics

Why it happens

Rats follow food and shelter. Open trash, bird feed, pet food, compost and clutter near the house draw them in, and they use small gaps in the roofline and foundation to get inside.

What we do

• Inspect the property and building to find activity and entry points
• Treat and set up control along their travel routes
• Show you what to seal, trim or clean up so they do not come back
• Follow up as needed

When to call

Call as soon as you see signs. Rats are more cautious than mice, and professional help is usually needed. Call (203) 256-1200 and we will tell you the earliest time we can come.

How to Get Rid of Rats

"How to get rid of rats" is a question most people hope they never need to ask. However, seeing that rats can enter your home by squeezing through an opening as little as 1/2 inch in diameter, few homes are totally immune to rat invasion. This site is designed to give a quick and informative summary for those experiencing a problem with rats.

Rats: How do you know if you have them?

There are two primary rat breeds that are most likely to invade a home. These are Norway rats and roof rats. Norway rats (pictured to the right) are known for their love of water, and are more of a problem with homes near water sources (rivers, lakes, sewers...etc.). They move into the ground level and basement of buildings, lining their nests with shredded paper, cloth, or other fibrous material.

Roof rats (pictured to the right) are extremely agile and excellent climbers. Roof rats make their nests in enclosed or elevated spaces such as attics, walls, false ceilings, and cabinets. Both breeds enter homes seeking warmth, food and a place to breed. If they can be found close to a home (in trees, bushes, ivy for roof rats; in sewers, rubbish and wood piles and gardens for Norway rats) it's only a matter of time before they find their way into your home.

How Do Rats Breed?

The average Norway rat can successfully wean 20 offspring each year, from 4-6 liters. Roof rats have 3-5 liters annually X 5-8 per litter = 25-40 offspring!

Danger Posed by Rats

Rats contaminate food, damage packaging which attracts insects, gnaw on electrical wires and tear up insulation.

Preventing Rats

Your first line of defense is prevention:

• Seal your home (a 1/2 inch opening is enough for a rat).
• Eliminate any rat-friendly environment within 300 feet of your home (this is the range rats will explore from their nest). This includes dense shrubbery (like ivy), brush and wood piles.
• Inspect compost piles for rat burrows, and recycle bins for rat droppings.
• Don't leave pet food exposed outside or inside your home. Refrain from feeding wild animals (or at least, thoroughly clean the area of food immediately after feeding).

Get Help From A Professional Rat Exterminator

However, natural rat repellents have a limited potency and need to be tested one by one. Traps and devices are not a sure solution. In the meantime, you and your family are exposed to the damage and disease caused by a rat infestation.

Give yourself a fresh new start. Call in a rat extermination expert who will thoroughly inspect your home for the presence of rats, the cause, and then eliminate the problem. Once your home and the area within 300 feet of your home is clear of rats, and your home has been rat-proofed, you can more effectively employ DIY approaches.