Norway rats vs. roof rats — what's the difference?

Norway (brown) rats are large, heavy-bodied burrowers that live at ground level and in basements/crawlspaces. Roof rats are slender, agile climbers that prefer attics, wall voids, and elevated areas. Treatment placement and exclusion points differ significantly between species.

Can rats chew through steel and concrete?

Rats cannot chew through heavy-gauge steel (hardware cloth 1/4" or thicker) or concrete. However, they can chew through wood, plastic, caulk, aluminum, and thin sheet metal. All exclusion materials must be rodent-grade.

How do I decontaminate after a rat infestation?

Rat urine and feces can harbor hantavirus (airborne when dried waste is disturbed). Always use N95 respirator and gloves when cleaning. Wet feces with bleach solution before disposal. For heavy contamination, we offer professional decontamination services.

Will rats come back after treatment?

Without comprehensive exclusion, new rats will enter the same entry points within weeks. Our program combines elimination AND exclusion — the only combination that produces lasting results.

🐀Emergency Priority

Rat Control

Eliminate rats and protect your home from structural and health risks

Rats are among the most dangerous pests in the world, spreading plague, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and Salmonella. Norway rats burrow under foundations and gnaw through structural wood and electrical wiring. Roof rats colonize attics and wall voids. A rat infestation is a serious health and safety emergency requiring immediate professional response.

1-800-PEST-USA Free Inspection

Starting price

$299 – $799

Free inspection & written quote before any work

Licensed & insured technicians
100% satisfaction guarantee
Free re-service if pests return
Available all 50 states
Same-day or next-day service

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Warning Signs of Rat Control

Large droppings (12–20mm) along walls, in crawlspaces, or in attics

Burrows in soil near the foundation, under slabs, or in garden areas

Gnawed holes in walls, floors, or doors — rats need teeth worn down constantly

Rub marks (dark grease stains) along wall junctions where rats travel

Scratching, rolling sounds in the attic at night (roof rats)

Seeing any of these signs? Call us immediately — early treatment prevents the problem from growing and reduces total treatment cost.

Our Rat Control Treatment Methods

We select the most effective approach based on your specific infestation, property, and family situation.

Large Snap Trap & Live Trap Program

Heavy-duty snap traps in all active areas with daily checking and trap movement to increase catch rates.

Exterior Bait Station Circuit

Tamper-resistant, weather-proof bait stations with EPA-registered rodenticide placed around the exterior intercept rats approaching the structure.

Full Exclusion & Burrow Sealing

Steel, hardware cloth, and concrete used to seal all entry points. Burrows are treated and filled to prevent re-establishment.

Attic Cleanup & Decontamination

For roof rat infestations in attics, we offer feces removal, insulation replacement, and biocide decontamination to eliminate health hazards and odor.