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 the ground, but they are excellent swimmers and climbers. Norway rats can establish a colony in your basement, crawlspace, walls, and attic.
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. Pests introduce parasites, such as fleas, into your home.
Critter Control in Chicago specializes in rat control. Rodent removal begins with a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the problem. The more established the 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.
Signs of a Rat or Mouse Infestation in Chicago
Mice are small, furry rodents with long, hairless tails, relatively large ears, and small eyes. They are found in a variety of colors, most commonly gray and brown. Chicago homeowners may be alerted to rodents’ presence in several ways, including hearing noises from the attic and within walls or finding their poop throughout the home. Scratching sounds are likely to be heard at night, and droppings are typically located close to baseboards and walls, where mice travel most.
Entry Points for Rodents in Chicago
Familiar signs of rats in the home include droppings, grease marks on ceilings and walls, and scratching noises. If the infestation is large enough, residents may even see the pests themselves. These rats are typically around a foot long, with tails longer than their bodies, and can range in color from dark brown or gray to black.
Problems Caused by Rodents in Chicago
Mice can spread Hantavirus, salmonellosis, and other diseases through direct contact with their waste or indirectly via ticks and fleas that migrate from their fur into homes. In addition to spreading illness, mice also destroy woodwork and furniture, which can lead to expensive repairs. To effectively address unwelcome mouse infestations in Chicago, Homeowners need to contact the professionals at Critter Control.
Since rats are excellent climbers, they can access attic spaces with relative ease. Once inside, these pests will gnaw on wood supports, tear up insulation to build their nests, and make constant chewing and squeaking sounds. A female rat can have up to 8 litters a year, with 6 to 8 young per litter. This makes rat problems difficult to control.
Rat Damage in Attics
Who Should I Call for Rat Control in Chicago?
What Is a Rat Exterminator?
Exterminators are state-licensed technicians trained to kill insects and pests using chemical products, baits, and traps. They apply solutions to the interiors and exteriors of homes, offices, restaurants, warehouses, and other structures.
Exterminators must understand the biology, habits, and habitats of insects and rodents to prevent pest damage or ease property owners’ fears. They create a plan of action that typically involves repeated chemical applications to treat areas where pests are active.
What Is a Wildlife Control Operator?
Wildlife control operators understand everything about wildlife, especially nuisance species. They are certified and trained in methods to prevent, remove, and exclude wildlife and rodents. Wildlife control operators avoid using chemicals and toxic products that kill animals, as they are unethical, inhumane, and rarely provide long-term solutions.
Instead, wildlife removal experts focus on a process that consists of inspection, removal, repairs, and exclusions. They follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding threatened and endangered species.
Residential Rat Control Near You
Rats can carry various parasites and spread disease with their bites. At the first sign of an infestation, contact the trained professionals at Critter Control. Our wildlife removal experts have the tools and training to safely and effectively eliminate rats from Chicago homes.
Rodent Exclusion
Rodent exclusion is the best rat 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 entry points for animals.
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.
Rat Removal & Trapping
Based on the inspection, our wildlife specialist creates a strategic trapping plan to remove the rodents found in your home. Trap types, trap placement, and bait used determine the effectiveness of rodent trapping.
Our wildlife specialist will ensure the use of the most efficient and safe removal process for your home. Though the standard rat-trapping duration is typically 5 to 14 days, the trapping process may be longer if the rodents are well-established.
