Rats

Rats often leave noticeable signs before they're seen. You may find droppings, gnaw marks on wood or food packaging, greasy rub marks along walls, scratching noises at night, or shredded materials used to build nests.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's a good idea to schedule an inspection before the infestation becomes more difficult to manage.

Long Pest Control provides treatment for the two rat species most commonly found in the Tacoma area: roof rats and Norway rats. Although both can invade homes and businesses, they behave differently and often require different control strategies.

Identifying the species helps determine where they're nesting, how they're entering the property, and the best way to eliminate them.

Roof rats are excellent climbers and are commonly found in attics, roofs, trees, and elevated areas. Their long tails and ability to climb walls, fences, and utility lines make them especially skilled at reaching upper levels of a home.

Norway rats prefer to stay closer to the ground. They often burrow beneath buildings, around foundations, or under outdoor structures, making them more likely to enter through lower levels of a property.

Rats can enter through surprisingly small openings around foundations, rooflines, vents, utility lines, and damaged siding. Roof rats often gain access by climbing trees, fences, or cables, while Norway rats may burrow beneath structures or squeeze through gaps near ground level.

Once inside, they look for food, water, and sheltered areas where they can build nests.

Rats prefer quiet, undisturbed places where they can nest safely. Roof rats are often found in attics, wall voids, and upper levels of buildings, while Norway rats commonly nest in crawlspaces, basements, garages, and underground burrows.

Because they're mostly active at night, an infestation can go unnoticed until the population grows.

Yes. Rats can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine, and they're known to carry diseases that may affect people and pets. They can also introduce parasites such as fleas and cause damage by chewing on wiring, insulation, and wood.

Prompt removal helps protect both your property and your family's health.

Rats are attracted to places that provide easy access to food, water, and shelter. Pet food, bird seed, unsecured garbage, compost piles, fallen fruit, and cluttered storage areas can all encourage rat activity.

Reducing these attractants is an important part of preventing future infestations.

During the inspection, a technician looks for droppings, nesting areas, burrows, entry points, and evidence of chewing or other rodent activity. They'll also evaluate the property for conditions that may be attracting rats.

After the inspection, you'll receive recommendations for treatment and practical steps to help prevent rats from returning.

Yes. Rats have strong teeth that continue growing throughout their lives, so they constantly chew to wear them down. They may damage electrical wiring, insulation, pipes, drywall, wood, and stored belongings while searching for food or building nests.

Addressing an infestation early can help minimize repair costs and reduce the risk of further damage.

Rats are primarily nocturnal, so scratching, scurrying, or chewing sounds after dark often indicate rodent activity. Roof rats are commonly found in attics and upper portions of homes, while Norway rats are more likely to be active beneath floors or inside crawlspaces.

If these noises continue, a professional inspection can help determine whether rats are responsible.

Traps can reduce the number of rats you see, but they don't always eliminate the source of the infestation. If nesting sites and entry points aren't addressed, new rats can continue entering the property.

Professional rat control focuses on removing existing rodents while identifying how they're getting inside to provide longer-lasting results.

Sealing entry points, trimming tree branches away from your roof, securing garbage containers, storing food properly, and removing outdoor clutter can make your property less attractive to rats. Regular inspections can also help identify new access points before they become a larger problem.

Combining these preventive measures with professional rodent control offers the best long-term protection.

The length of treatment depends on the size of the infestation, the number of nesting sites, and how easily access points can be sealed. Some infestations can be resolved quickly, while others may require additional visits and ongoing monitoring.

Your technician will explain the treatment plan and expected timeline after completing the inspection.

Rats reproduce quickly and are highly adaptable, making them difficult to eliminate without addressing the entire infestation. Professional rodent control includes identifying the species, locating nests, treating active infestations, and recommending exclusion measures to help keep rats from returning.

This comprehensive approach provides more reliable, long-term results than relying on traps or bait alone.

Scheduling rat control is simple. Call Long Pest Control or submit a request through the online contact form to arrange an inspection at your home or business.

Our team will identify the type of rat involved, locate areas of activity, and recommend the most effective treatment to help protect your property from future infestations.