Chicago has consistently been named one of the rattiest cities in America, and the most common pest rat in Chicago is the Norway rat (also known as the brown rat, sewer rat, common rat, wharf rat, street rat). These pests prefer to burrow in teh ground, but they are excellent swimmers and climbers. Norway rats can establish a colony in your basement, crawlspace, walls, and attics.
Homeowners in the Chicago area tend to notice rodent feces or strange sounds in their walls and attics first. Rodent problems extend beyond those nuisances. Feces can transmit diseases. Rodents gnawing on electrical wires can increase the risk of fires. The pests introduce parasites like fleas into your house.
Critter Control in Chicago specializes in rat control. Rodent removal begins with a thorough inspection to determine how severe the problem is. The more established rodents are, the more involved the removal process will be. After inspecting, our wildlife specialist will build a custom solution to trap, remove, and seal all entry points.
Home Inspection for Rodents
During a rodent inspection, our inspector will thoroughly inspect your attic as well as provide a full exterior home inspection. The most common signs of rodent activity are chewing, droppings, rub marks, nesting material, and small entry points.
The most common areas to find a rodent infestation is in your attic, in the crawlspace, and inside the walls. You’re likely to find evidence of rats and mice in your kitchen as they scavenge for food.
Rodent Removal & Trapping
Based on the inspection, our wildlife specialist creates a strategic trapping plan to remove the rodents found in your home. Types of traps, placement of traps, and bait used in traps determine the effectiveness of rodent trapping.
Our wildlife specialist will ensure to use of the most efficient and safe removal process for your home. Though the standard rat trapping duration is normally between 5 to 14 days, the trapping process may be longer if the rodents are well-established.
Rodent Control in Your Attic
The most effective rodent control method is exclusion. Blocking rodent entry points so the pests cannot gain access to your attic. Rodents can squeeze through small holes. Some rodents like mice can fit through openings as small as half an inch in diameter, which means that small holes, gaps in doorways, and wall vents often serve as common entry points.
Rats are also proficient swimmers capable of traveling through sewer lines and entering buildings by emerging from toilets and open drains.
Check your roof and soffits for any small holes. Any rodent can take a pre-existing hole and gnaw it to make it bigger. Another way rodents can get into your home is through your vents. There are a few ways you can keep rodents out of your vents.
Rodent Control for the Crawl Space
Rodents can easily find their way into your crawlspaces. Norway rats and mice are the most common rodents in crawl spaces. Norway rats tend to burrow along the foundations of homes.
Rodent Exclusion
Rodent exclusion is the best rodent control method. Exclusions are naturally chemical and rodenticide free. Exclusions work immediately once properly installed and offer a long-term solution. During the Critter Control free inspection throughout Chicagoland, our technicians identified all current and potential animal entry points.
Rodents leave pheromone trails, and other rodents quickly utilize those scent trails so it is essential to block all entry points. Our exclusion services can help avoid rat stoppage tickets in Chicago.
Habitat Modification to Prevent Rodents
Food sources, water sources, and shelter attract rats to your property. The city of Chicago offers free heavy duty plastic 96-gallon garbage cans with tight fitted lids to single-family residences to help curb the rat population.
Our technicians can offer other simple ways to make your property less appealing to rodents. Keep pet food inside and stored. Keep your property clear of debris can help to keep your property rodent free. Trimming Rodents love clutter and will use debris for nesting material.
Keep your garage door closed as much as possible, especially at dark. Garages are often used as storage spaces, and rodents will take advantage of any food they can get to or any items that can be used for nesting.
When Will I See Rodents Most?
Squirrels are diurnal and most likely to enter your home during their breeding seasons.
Rats and mice are nocturnal and active year round. You might notice more rat activity during the summer and fall as the rats are preparing for winter.
Pest Control vs Wildlife Removal Services
Some pest control companies will exterminate your rodent problem. A rodent exterminator is a short term solution, and not every company can offer a long term solution.
Critter Control specializes in whole home exclusions. We identify the rodent entry points and install materials designed to keep rodents out. We offer a one year warranty on whole home exclusions and suggest recurring rodent control services to keep your home protected.