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Rats - 101!

Learn how to spot, stop, and prevent rat infestations; when it comes to keeping your home critter-free, this ain’t our first rodeo!
Rodents are the most common wildlife we see in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex homes by far. They do not necessarily cause as extensive of damage as larger pests that may enter your home, but from a sanitation perspective, rats and mice can be a huge hazard to you and your family’s health and wellbeing. On this page, we’re going to review the obvious warning signs that you’re dealing with a rodent infestation and how the Critter Stop team goes the extra mile to not just get rid of the rodents, but also to sanitize and restore your home. If you have questions or you’re ready to get started working with Critter Stop to remove rodents or other wildlife from your home in Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, Keller, or other locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, give us a call today.
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What You'll See Inside the Home

If you are dealing with a rodent infestation, you will see a number of common warning signs, including:

Droppings

Droppings are the most obvious warning sign. Unlike some other animals that pick specific areas to create latrines, rodents leave droppings everywhere.

Grease Spots

These are the areas where rats and mice will go back and forth across your home nesting, sitting, and leaving urine and fluids behind them.

Chewing

You will see signs of chewing on food containers, walls, wires, and other areas.

Nesting

Rats Build Nests, But You May Not See These As They Are Often Hidden Under Floors, In Attics, Or Inside The Walls.

Rats Nuisance Problems

Rats are relatively quiet animals, but they do make various noises for communication and in certain situations. Here are some common rat noises:
Squeaking or Chirping
Hissing or Growling
Bruxing
Chirping or Chattering
Scratching or Rustling
Ultrasonic Vocalizations

Squeaking or Chirping

Rats often emit high-pitched squeaks or chirps, especially when they are young or in distress. These noises can indicate excitement, fear, or pain.

Hissing or Growling

Rats may hiss when they feel threatened or agitated. This noise serves as a warning to potential predators or other rats to stay away. Sometimes, rats may combine hissing with low growling sounds to display aggression.

Bruxing

Bruxing is the grinding of teeth that rats do as a form of self-soothing or contentment. It produces a soft grinding or clicking sound and is usually a sign that the rat is feeling relaxed and comfortable.

Chirping or Chattering

Rats may chirp or chatter quietly as a form of communication with other rats. This noise can be heard during social interactions or when rats are exploring their environment.

Scratching or Rustling

While not vocalizations, the sounds of rats scratching or rustling can often be heard as they move around in their habitat or nest. This noise is caused by their sharp claws as they climb or dig.

Ultrasonic Vocalizations

Rats also produce ultrasonic vocalizations that are beyond the range of human hearing. These high-frequency sounds are used for communication between rats and can convey information about their social status, reproductive readiness, or distress.

What You'll See Outside the Home

Rats and mice will enter your home by making the traditional “Tom & Jerry” mouse house holes. In most cases, you’ll see these in the roof returns, also called the eaves. It’s important to remember that mouse holes are not going to be big. If you can squeeze a finger into the hole, the odds are good that a mouse or rat can fit in it as well. Because of their small size and hidden location, you will not likely notice the rodent entryways unless there are also warnings inside the home.

Small, Chewed Holes

You might notice overturned garbage cans or scattered trash in your yard, a common sign of raccoons scavenging for food.

Gnaw Marks Around Entry Points

Look for holes, torn shingles, or damage to vents and soffits as raccoons create access points to your attic.

Grease Marks on Walls or Surfaces

Raccoon tracks (with their distinct hand-like appearance) or droppings may be visible around your property, especially near access points.

Droppings Around Entry Areas

Pets like dogs and cats may act restless or bark more at night due to raccoons moving around outside or making noise.
Looks Familiar? Call Us

Your Rat Problem Ends Here!

It's important to note that wild rats may make similar noises, but they are often more cautious and secretive compared to their domestic counterparts. This ain't our first rodeo! Take a look at our Step-by-Step process, and let us handle it for you!

Free Inspection

Critter Stop provides free in-home consultations to create tailored solutions for your needs. Our team conducts a thorough inspection, checking for damage, entry points, nests, and droppings. After assessing the issue, we’ll discuss the findings and craft a detailed action plan to resolve it effectively.

Seal Your home /
 remove the Critters

Our priority is sealing your home by securing all potential entry points, from the roof to the foundation. The exclusion team ensures every gap is thoroughly patched. Once everything is sealed up, we will set traps/cameras to capture and safely remove the critter. 

Restore & Sanitize

Removing the critter is just the beginning—there’s more to do! We fully restore your space by replacing damaged insulation and fogging the area to disinfect and eliminate animal pheromones. This ensures your home stays protected from future infestations.

Why Choose Critter Stop?

Quick & Responsive Service
Critters won’t wait—and neither will we. Our team is on call to provide fast, reliable service whenever you need it.
Thorough & Humane Solutions
We prioritize humane, eco-friendly methods to safely remove critters without harm.
Guaranteed & Trusted Results
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures a critter-free home. If the problem persists, we’ll come back at no extra charge.
Experienced & Certified Experts
Our certified team brings years of expertise in wildlife and pest control, ensuring the highest standards in every service.

Keep Your Home Rodent Free!

If you notice any signs of Rats on your property, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Critter Stop offers safe, professional rat removal services to protect your home and family. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and effective solutions!,

Ready to be pest free?

Fully licensed & insured humane animal removal & pest control company operating in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. 
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