Rats and mice we deal with in Arcadia
- Roof rats
- The most common rat in Arcadia. Slender, dark, with a tail longer than the body. They are climbers. They travel along tree branches, fences, power lines and ivy, then get into attics through roof gaps, vents and eaves.
- Norway rats
- Heavier, browner and shorter-tailed. They burrow, so they show up under slabs, in crawlspaces, along foundations and in garages. More common near commercial areas, dumpsters and older drainage.
- House mice
- Small, with large ears. They get through gaps the width of a pencil and nest in walls, kitchens, garages and stored boxes.
- Deer mice
- Found near the foothills and canyon edge in north Arcadia. They can carry hantavirus, so their nests and droppings need careful cleanup.
Signs you have rats or mice
- Scratching, running or gnawing sounds in the ceiling or walls, usually at night.
- Droppings in the attic, garage, under the sink or along walls. Roof rat droppings are about half an inch long with pointed ends.
- Chewed fruit still hanging on citrus or avocado trees, often hollowed out.
- Greasy rub marks along beams, pipes and holes where rats travel often.
- Chewed wiring, irrigation lines, insulation or stored items.
- A pet staring at or pawing at one spot in a wall.
Seeing this at your place right now? A local technician can talk it through with you on the phone.
Call (626) 555-0142Why Arcadia has so many rats
Roof rats love what makes Arcadia neighborhoods attractive. Tall oaks, pines and palms let them move from yard to yard without touching the ground. Bougainvillea, ivy and climbing vines on walls give them ladders to the roof. Backyard citrus, avocados and loquats feed them for months.
Older homes in Lower Rancho, Santa Anita Village and the streets around downtown often have gaps where the roof meets the fascia, loose vent screens and old garage doors that no longer seal. Homes along the foothills deal with rodents coming down from brushland, especially when the weather turns.
Why poison alone does not solve it
California law has sharply limited the use of many anticoagulant rat poisons, mostly because owls, hawks, bobcats and pets were dying after eating poisoned rodents. Beyond the legal side, poison inside a home has a practical problem: rats eat it and then die inside walls and ceilings, which causes a smell that lasts for weeks.
Effective rodent control in Arcadia uses traps to remove the rats that are already inside and sealing to stop new ones from getting in. Exterior bait stations can be part of a plan where appropriate, but they are never the whole plan.
Our rodent control process
Inspection
Call (626) 555-0142. A technician inspects the attic, garage, crawlspace, roofline and yard to find how rodents are getting in and where they are nesting.
Trapping
Snap traps are set in the attic, garage and other active areas. Traps are placed where kids and pets cannot reach.
Trap checks
The technician comes back to check and reset traps, usually two to four times over two to three weeks, until there is no more activity.
Sealing entry points
Every gap rodents can use is sealed with hardware cloth, metal flashing and rodent-proof materials. Details are on our rodent exclusion page.
Cleanup and sanitizing
Droppings and nesting material are removed and the area is sanitized. Heavily soiled attic insulation can be removed and replaced.
Keeping rats away from your Arcadia property
- Trim tree branches so they are at least six feet from the roof.
- Pull ivy and vines off walls, fences and the house.
- Pick up fallen fruit every day or two and harvest ripe fruit promptly.
- Store pet food and birdseed in sealed metal or heavy plastic bins.
- Keep trash bins closed and away from the house.
- Do not leave pet food out overnight on patios.
- Check the garage door seal and replace it if you can see daylight underneath.
Rodent control FAQ
How long does it take to get rid of rats?
Most homes are cleared in two to four weeks of trapping once entry points are sealed. Heavy infestations or homes with many entry points can take longer.
Are rats in the attic dangerous?
Yes. They chew wiring, which is a fire risk, contaminate insulation and can carry diseases. Their droppings should never be swept up dry, because dust from them can be harmful.
Will the rats come back after treatment?
If every entry point is sealed and food sources outside are managed, it is unlikely. If one gap is missed, new rats will find it, which is why sealing matters as much as trapping.
Do ultrasonic repellers work?
Not reliably. Rats get used to the sound quickly, and the sound does not pass through walls or insulation.
Can I handle the cleanup myself?
For a few droppings, wear gloves and a mask, wet the area with disinfectant first, then wipe. For a whole attic, professional cleanup is safer.