Rodent Removal Services in Austin
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Austin, Texas, Pest Control Xperts
Austin’s abundance of mature oak trees, limestone creeks, and lush greenbelts makes it a beautiful place to live, but these same features create a thriving environment for rats and other rodents. At Pest Control Xperts, we provide specialized rodent control and rat removal services for homeowners and businesses in Austin, Georgetown, New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos. We understand that discovering a rat in your attic or hearing heavy scratching in your walls is a distressing experience. Rodents in Central Texas are aggressive invaders, capable of chewing through siding, insulation, and even electrical wiring.
Our team is equipped to handle the specific rodent challenges of the Hill Country, particularly the agile Roof Rats that use tree limbs to access rooftops and the burrowing Norway Rats found near foundations. We prioritize thorough pest inspection to identify entry points, safe pest management practices to protect your household, and dependable scheduling to resolve the issue quickly. If you are ready to secure your property against these destructive pests, we are here to help.
Rodent Problems We Solve in Austin
Rodents are more than just a nuisance; they are a threat to your property and your health. In the Austin area, rats are notorious for exploiting construction gaps in rooflines and weep holes in brick veneer. Once inside, they establish nests in insulation, contaminating the space with urine and feces. They are also a significant fire hazard, as their teeth never stop growing, driving them to gnaw on electrical wires to file them down.
We handle infestation control by addressing the entire structure. Proper pest management requires understanding the behavior of the specific rodent species, as trapping a Roof Rat requires a completely different strategy than catching a mouse. We focus on the elimination of pests through strategic trapping and, most importantly, robust exclusion techniques to prevent future entry.
Common signs of a rat or rodent issue:
- Loud scratching, thumping, or running sounds in the attic or walls at night
- Large, capsule-shaped droppings (1/2 to 3/4 inch long) in attics, garages, or cabinets
- Gnaw marks on door frames, wooden beams, or plastic storage bins
- Greasy smudge marks (sebum) along baseboards or rafters where rodents travel
- Burrow holes in the yard, particularly under the foundation or woodpiles
- Pet food bags chewed open in the garage
- Nests made of shredded insulation, paper, or leaves found in hidden areas
- A strong, musky odor, especially in enclosed spaces
Types of Rodent Issues We Handle
Roof Rat Infestations in Attics
Roof Rats (also known as black rats) are the most common rodent pest in Austin. As excellent climbers, they spend most of their time off the ground, using fences, power lines, and tree branches to access your roof. They enter through attic vents, gaps in the soffit, or damaged eaves. Once in the attic, they can destroy insulation and damage HVAC ductwork.
What we look for during inspection:
- Tree limbs touching or hanging over the roof
- Damaged vent screens or missing soffit covers
- Runways in the attic insulation
- Fruit skins or hollowed-out citrus in the yard (a favorite food source)
How we approach treatment:
We focus on trapping rodents where they travel—up high. We place snap traps on rafters and along attic runways. Simultaneously, we advise on cutting back vegetation and sealing roofline entries to cut off their access.
Norway Rat Burrows and Exterior Control
Norway Rats are larger, bulkier, and prefer to stay near the ground. They are often found burrowing under foundations, concrete slabs, or in debris piles in the yard. In Austin, they are frequently seen in commercial areas or near creeks and sewers. They enter homes through ground-level gaps, such as open garage doors or unsealed utility penetrations.
What we look for during inspection:
- Burrow entrances near the foundation or under sheds
- Gnaw marks on the bottom of exterior doors
- Runs or paths worn into the grass or soil
- Activity around trash cans or compost piles
How we approach treatment:
We use tamper-resistant bait stations or mechanical traps placed along the exterior foundation to reduce the exterior population. We also focus on rodent barrier installation, sealing weep holes and gaps around pipes with steel mesh and concrete.
Rodent Exclusion and Pest Proofing
Trapping removes the rats currently inside, but it does not stop new ones from replacing them. Rodent exclusion is the process of physically altering your home to make it impenetrable to pests. Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. Exclusion is the only long-term solution to a rodent problem.
What we look for during inspection:
- Gaps around air conditioning lines and plumbing pipes
- Cracks in the foundation or siding
- Loose or rotted fascia boards
- Vents without proper screening
How we approach treatment:
We perform a detailed seal-up of the property. We use durable materials like hardware cloth, copper mesh, and industrial-grade sealants that rodents cannot chew through. This creates a permanent barrier against re-infestation.
Our Rodent Inspection and Treatment Approach
Effective rodent control begins with a comprehensive investigation. When you reach out to Pest Control Xperts, we perform a top-to-bottom pest assessment service. We inspect the roof, the attic, the crawlspace, and the exterior perimeter. We identify the species, locate the nesting sites, and map out the entry points. We use this information to build a plan that is specific to your property’s construction style.
Our treatment utilizes Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We prioritize mechanical trapping to remove rodents from the interior, which allows us to verify the catch and prevents dead rodents from decaying inside inaccessible walls. We place traps strategically along established runways to maximize success. We handle the removal and disposal of trapped rodents, so you don’t have to.
Once the population is under control, we focus on preventative pest measures. We help you with habitat modification, identifying attractants like pet food or overgrown ivy that need to be managed. Periodic pest inspections are recommended to ensure that your exclusion repairs remain intact and that no new activity has occurred, giving you peace of mind throughout the year.
Rodent Prevention and Pest Proofing Tips for Austin Homes
Preventing rats requires a combination of exclusion and sanitation. Rodents are constantly scouting for food and shelter. By making your property harder to access and less interesting to them, you can avoid a full-blown infestation.
Preventative steps that actually help:
- Trim tree branches back at least 6 to 8 feet from the roofline to stop Roof Rats
- Seal holes around pipe penetrations with steel wool and caulk
- Install heavy-gauge mesh over attic vents and chimney caps
- Keep garbage can lids tightly secured and wash cans regularly
- Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight
- Remove ivy and dense ground cover where rats hide
- Pick up fallen fruit from citrus or pecan trees in your yard daily
- Elevate firewood and lumber piles at least 18 inches off the ground
- Repair damaged screens on windows and crawlspace vents
- Install door sweeps on garage doors and exterior entries
We encourage property pest management that includes checking your home’s exterior for new gnaw marks or gaps, especially as the weather cools. Seasonal pest control in the fall is critical, as rodents seek warmth before winter. By combining our services with these steps, you protect your home from damage.
Residential and Commercial Rodent Control
We provide both residential pest control and commercial pest services. For homeowners, we know that rodents can keep you up at night with their noise and worry. We work efficiently to evict them and repair the breach in your home’s defenses.
For commercial clients, such as restaurants, warehouses, and food processing facilities, a rodent sighting can be a disaster for your reputation and compliance. We offer commercial pest services that include bait station monitoring, trend analysis, and exclusion consulting. Our pest exterminators provide discreet, documentation-ready service that meets health department standards and keeps your business running smoothly.
Professional Rodent Extermination vs DIY Methods
Many homeowners try to handle rat problems with store-bought traps or poison blocks. Unfortunately, rats are neophobic, meaning they are afraid of new objects in their environment. If a trap is placed incorrectly or has the wrong scent, a rat will avoid it entirely. This can lead to “trap-shy” rodents that are incredibly difficult to catch.
Using rodenticides indoors without professional supervision is risky. A poisoned rat often crawls into a wall void or deep insulation to die, creating a foul odor that can last for weeks and attract flies. Professional rodent extermination focuses on trapping and removal to avoid this issue.
Furthermore, without sealing the entry points, trapping is a never-ending cycle. New rats will simply follow the pheromone trails of the old ones into your home. Exclusion techniques for pests are the missing piece in most DIY attempts. We have the tools, materials, and ladder training to seal your home correctly from the roof down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rodent Control
Do you provide rat removal in Austin and nearby areas?
Yes, we serve Austin, Georgetown, New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos. We are experts in handling both Roof Rats and Norway Rats common in Central Texas.
How do I tell the difference between a rat and a mouse?
Rats are significantly larger than mice, with thicker tails and larger feet. Rat droppings are capsule-shaped and about the size of a raisin or olive pit, while mouse droppings are small and pointed like grains of rice. We can confirm the species during inspection.
How long does the rodent removal process take?
Trapping typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to ensure the entire population is removed. However, the exclusion work (sealing the home) provides immediate protection against new entries. We continue trapping until no new activity is observed.
Do you offer dead animal removal?
If we are performing an active rodent control service for you, we remove rodents trapped in our devices. If you have a dead animal in a wall or attic from a previous issue, please contact us to discuss inspection and removal options.
Are rats dangerous to my health?
Yes, rats can carry diseases such as Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, and Hantavirus. Their urine and droppings can contaminate insulation and air ducts, affecting indoor air quality. It is important to handle cleanup carefully.
What should I do if I hear scratching in the attic?
Contact us immediately. Scratching usually indicates active chewing or nest building. The longer rodents are allowed to stay, the more damage they cause to wiring and insulation.
Do you offer green pest control options for rodents?
We utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Our primary method is mechanical trapping and physical exclusion, which are chemical-free solutions. We minimize the use of rodenticides, using them only in secured exterior stations when necessary.
Is there a local rodent exterminator near me?
If you are located in Austin or the surrounding metro area, Pest Control Xperts is your local provider. We are ready to assist you with prompt and professional service.
Service Area for Rodent Control in and Around Austin, Texas
Pest Control Xperts proudly serves the greater Austin area. From the oak-filled neighborhoods of Hyde Park to the rocky terrain of Lake Travis, we are your local neighbors. We understand the local housing styles and the pest pressures that come with them. Local service means we can respond quickly and provide solutions that work for our specific climate and geography.
We serve the following communities:
- Austin
- Georgetown
- Round Rock
- San Marcos
- New Braunfels
- Pflugerville
- Cedar Park
- Leander
- Kyle
- Buda
Contact us today.
Zip codes we serve: 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704, 78705, 78721, 78723, 78731, 78741, 78745, 78748, 78750, 78758, 78759, 78613, 78664, 78626, 78660, 78666, 78130.