It’s Rodent Week: The No-BS Guide to Rodent Control in the Bay Area 

Rodents are nasty little invaders that can destroy your home, chew through wires, and carry diseases. If you’ve got a rodent problem in the Bay Area, you need to handle it—now. 

Let’s get straight to it. How do you know if you have a rodent problem? What’s the best way to get rid of rats and mice? And how can ATCO Pest Control help you take back your home? 

Signs You Have a Rodent Infestation 

If you’re seeing one rat or mouse, odds are, there are more. Rodents multiply fast, so spotting just one means it’s time to act. 

Here’s what to look for: 

• Droppings – Tiny, dark pellets, especially around food, cabinets, and storage areas. 

• Gnaw marks – On wires, furniture, and walls. Rats can chew through almost anything—even metal. 

• Scratching sounds – Especially at night. If you hear tiny feet scurrying in your walls, that’s a bad sign. 

• Grease trails – Rodents leave behind oily streaks along baseboards and walls. 

• Unusual pet behavior – If your dog or cat is obsessively sniffing at walls or under appliances, they might smell a rodent. 

If you’re noticing any of these, you’ve got a rodent problem. 

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Rodents 

Rats and mice aren’t just annoying—they’re dangerous. 

• They spread disease – Hantavirus, salmonella, and even plague (yes, still a thing). 

• They destroy homes – Chewed-up wires can cause electrical fires. They can also tear up insulation, drywall, and furniture. 

• They contaminate food – Even sealed food isn’t safe. If a rodent gets in your pantry, you need to toss everything it touched. 

Ignoring the problem just makes it worse. Rodents reproduce fast, meaning a small problem turns into an infestation really quick. 

DIY Rodent Control: What Works & What’s a Waste of Time 

Before you run to the store for traps and poison, know what actually works. 

✅ What Works 

✔ Sealing entry points – If you don’t block their way in, more will come. Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter.
✔ Eliminating food sources – Store food in airtight containers, take out the trash daily, and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
✔ Setting up traps – Snap traps are the most effective, but placement is everything. Put them where you see activity (along walls, near droppings, and under furniture).
✔ Professional rodent control – If you’ve tried it all and they keep coming back, it’s time for the pros. 

❌ What Doesn’t Work 

✖ Ultrasonic repellents – They don’t actually drive rodents away long-term.
✖ DIY poisons – Most store-bought rat poison doesn’t kill fast enough, and you could end up with dead rodents rotting in your walls.  Additionally, most poisons are banned in California.  So, stay away from using any kind of poisons when addressing rodent problems.
✖ Relying on your cat – Some cats will hunt rodents, but many are too well-fed to bother. 

ATCO Pest Control: Your Rodent Control Experts in the Bay Area 

Whether you live in Richmond, Union City, the East Bay, or anywhere in the North Bay, ATCO Pest Control is your best bet for rodent removal that actually works. 

Here’s why:
✔ Complete rodent exclusion – We don’t just kill rodents; we keep them out for good.
✔ Humane options available – No unnecessary suffering—just effective control.
✔ Local experts who know the Bay Area – We know exactly how rodents are getting into homes in your neighborhood. 

👉 Schedule a Rodent Inspection Today 

How to Keep Rodents Out for Good 

Once ATCO clears your infestation, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here’s how: 

• Keep your kitchen spotless – No crumbs, no open food, no dirty dishes left overnight. 

• Take out the trash often – Rodents love garbage. 

• Store pet food properly – Don’t leave it sitting out 24/7. 

• Trim trees and bushes – Rats use branches like highways into your home. 

FAQs About Rodent Control in the Bay Area 

Q: What’s the difference between rats and mice? 

A: Mice are small (2-4 inches), curious, and leave lots of tiny droppings. Rats are bigger (up to 12 inches), cautious, and leave larger droppings. Both are bad news. 

Q: Can I handle a rodent problem myself? 

A: For small problems, yes. But if you’re seeing multiple rodents, hearing scratching in your walls, or finding nests, you need ATCO Pest Control. 

Q: How long does it take to get rid of rodents? 

A: It depends. A small infestation might be gone in a few days. A major infestation could take weeks—especially if there are hidden entry points. 

Q: Is professional rodent control expensive? 

A: It’s cheaper than replacing chewed-up wires or dealing with a house fire. ATCO offers affordable, effective rodent control services. 

Get Rid of Rodents Today 

If you’ve got rodents in your home, don’t wait until they multiply. Get expert rodent control in the Bay Area, East Bay, and North Bay from ATCO Pest Control. 

👉 Call Now for a Rodent Inspection or click on this link to view our current special offers!