Rodent & Wildlife Control FAQs
Straight answers to the questions San Mateo County homeowners ask us most about rats, mice and wildlife. The short version: find the gaps, trap what's inside, seal it up for good.
- ★ 4.9 · 98 Google reviews
- CA Trapper License TP-10631
- Lifetime Rodent-Proofing Guarantee
- Based in Half Moon Bay
Rats and mice
How do rats and mice get into my home?
Through small gaps: foundation and crawl-space vents, gaps around pipes and cables, rooflines, eaves and garage doors. A mouse can fit through a gap about the size of a dime. Finding and sealing those gaps is the core of rodent proofing.
How do I get rid of mice in my house?
Trap the mice that are inside, then seal every gap they use to get in. Snap traps along walls, where mice travel, work better than traps in the open. Without sealing, new mice keep arriving, which is why our mice control always includes sealing.
How do I get rid of rats for good?
Remove the rats inside, then seal every entry point with materials rats can't chew, like steel mesh, hardware cloth and metal flashing. Also take away easy food: fallen fruit, pet food and birdseed. See how we handle rat control.
What's the best bait for mice or rats?
Peanut butter works well for both, used in a small amount so the animal has to work at the trap. Placement matters more than bait: set traps against walls and along the paths where you see droppings. Traps placed in the middle of a room are usually ignored.
Do natural repellents like peppermint oil work?
Not reliably. Strong smells may bother rodents for a short time, but they don't keep them out of a home where food and shelter are available. Sealing the entry points is what works.
I saw one mouse. Is there more than one?
Usually, yes. Mice live in groups and are most active at night, so seeing one during the day often means there are more. It's worth having the home inspected for droppings and entry points. Start with our mice control page.
Can mice and rats make my family sick?
Yes. Rodent droppings and urine can spread disease, and deer mice can carry hantavirus. Don't sweep or vacuum droppings dry, which can put particles in the air. Have contaminated areas cleaned properly, like we do in attic and crawl space cleanup.
How do I tell rats from mice?
Rats are much larger, with thicker bodies and bigger droppings, roughly the size of a raisin or larger. Mouse droppings are small, like grains of rice. Roof rats often live in attics; mice turn up in kitchens, walls and garages. Either way, start with rodent control.
Wildlife
Is there an animal in my attic? How do I know which one?
Sounds and timing are the best clue. Scurrying at night is usually rats or mice; heavier thumps at night often mean raccoons; daytime scratching is often squirrels. An inspection confirms which animal and where it's getting in. See wildlife removal.
Can I trap a raccoon, skunk or squirrel myself?
It's not a good idea. Wild animals can bite, scratch or spray, and there are California rules about trapping and handling wildlife. A licensed trapper removes the animal safely and seals the opening. See raccoon removal, skunk removal and squirrel removal.
What should I do if I see a rattlesnake?
Keep your distance and keep kids and pets away. Don't try to kill or move it; most bites happen when people try. Call us at (650) 889-7995 and we'll remove it. More on our snake removal page.
Can you remove bats any time of year?
Not always. Bats are protected, and when young bats can't yet fly, they can't be excluded without trapping them inside. We plan bat work around that season and seal the openings once the bats are out. See bat removal.
How we work
Do you use poison?
No, never. We trap and seal. Poison can leave animals dying inside walls and puts pets and other wildlife at risk. See how we work.
Is your work safe for kids and pets?
Yes. We don't use poison, and our methods are kid- and pet-safe. Traps are placed where children and pets can't reach them, such as attics and crawl spaces.
What happens at the inspection?
We check the whole house: roofline, attic, crawl space, vents, foundation and garage. We look for droppings, damage and every entry point. Then we explain what we found and what needs to be done before any work starts. Schedule an appointment.
What does the Lifetime Rodent-Proofing Guarantee cover?
Our rodent-proofing work is guaranteed for the life of the home, materials and labor included. The full details are on our guarantee terms page.
Are you licensed?
Yes. We hold CA Trapper License TP-10631 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and we're licensed, bonded and insured. Learn more about us.
Scheduling and area
What areas do you serve?
All of San Mateo County, from our base in Half Moon Bay. That includes the coast, from Pacifica to Pescadero, and the Bay side, from Daly City to Menlo Park. See all service areas.
Do you work nights and weekends?
Yes. We're available 24/7/365, including emergency calls. Call (650) 889-7995 any time.
Do you work with landlords, HOAs and property managers?
Yes. We work with landlords, property managers and HOAs on apartments, condos and multi-unit buildings across San Mateo County. Shared walls and attics need a building-wide approach, which we plan with you. See our rodent control page.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (650) 889-7995, or use our appointment form. The owner answers the phone.
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