Rat Removal in the Triangle
Rats are larger, more destructive, and more cautious than mice, making them a serious pest when they infest a home or business. In the Raleigh-Triangle area, Norway rats and roof rats are both present. Norway rats tend to live at ground level in crawlspaces, basements, and burrows, while roof rats are excellent climbers that access attics and upper floors from overhanging tree branches and utility lines.
Signs of Rats
- Large droppings — rat droppings are 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, much larger than mouse droppings
- Gnaw marks — rats chew through wood, plastic, and even soft metals. Gnaw marks are larger and more jagged than mouse damage
- Burrows — Norway rats dig burrows near foundations, along fences, and under concrete slabs
- Grease marks — oily rub marks along walls and around entry points from repeated travel
- Sounds — heavier scratching and thumping than mice, often in walls and ceilings
- Odor — a strong musky smell indicates a significant rat population
Rat Exclusion
Rats can squeeze through holes as small as 1/2 inch — about the size of a quarter. Our rat removal process includes sealing all entry points with materials rats cannot chew through, including galvanized steel, metal flashing, and hardware cloth with heavy-gauge wire. Common entry points include gaps around pipes and utilities entering the foundation, damaged crawlspace vents, gaps at the roof-soffit junction, and openings around HVAC lines.
Health Risks
Rats carry and transmit numerous diseases including leptospirosis, hantavirus, salmonella, and rat-bite fever. Their droppings and urine contaminate surfaces and can affect indoor air quality. Rats also carry fleas, which can spread to pets and humans. Professional removal and thorough cleanup of affected areas is essential for protecting your family's health.