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Rat Control in Fresno, CA: Roof Rat & Norway Rat Removal
Fresno rat control built around the rat we actually find here — the roof rat. Inspection-first, with exclusion and trapping over broadcast bait, and a focus on attics, rooflines, and fruit trees.
Total Pest Control provides rat control for Fresno and the Central Valley — and because the rat we find in most local homes is the roof rat, our approach is built around it. We inspect first, seal the entry points rats use, trap the rats inside, and clean up after, so the problem is actually solved instead of just knocked back. Family-owned and California-licensed (SPCB #8539).
Roof rats are Fresno’s rat — and that changes the treatment
Most rat problems in the Fresno area are roof rats, not the ground-dwelling Norway rat. Roof rats climb — they live in attics, rafters, and fruit trees and travel the roofline — so effective control has to work up high: sealing roof and eave gaps, clearing tree-limb highways, and trapping in the attic, not just setting bait stations on the ground. Treating a roof-rat problem like a ground-rat problem is why DIY and one-size-fits-all approaches fail. Learn more about roof rats in California.
Signs you have rats
• Scratching or scurrying in the attic or walls at night
• Dark droppings about a half-inch long with pointed ends
• Gnaw marks on wood, wiring, and stored items
• Greasy rub marks along beams and entry holes
• Gnawed fruit on the tree or ground
• Nests of shredded material (see what a rat nest looks like)
• A pet fixating on a wall or ceiling. Not sure it’s rats? Check the droppings.
Our rat control process
1. Inspect & identify. We inspect the attic, roofline, exterior, and yard to confirm the species and find every entry point and runway.
2. Seal them out (exclusion). We close roofline gaps, vents, and penetrations with rodent-proof materials and advise on trimming trees and vines off the house. See rodent exclusion.
3. Trap & remove. We place and monitor traps in the rats’ active runs and remove what we catch — no broadcast poison scattered around your home and yard.
4. Clean up & monitor. We address droppings and contamination, then follow up to confirm activity has stopped. See attic restoration.
Why exclusion beats bait alone
Bait-only vs our integrated approach
| Bait-only | Our integrated approach | |
|---|---|---|
| Solves the entry problem | No | Yes — entry points sealed |
| Risk to pets & wildlife | Higher — secondary poisoning | Lower — targeted trapping |
| Dead-rodent odor in walls | Common | Minimized |
| Long-term result | Rats keep returning | Rats kept out |
Roof rat vs Norway rat — quick ID
| Feature | Roof rat | Norway rat |
|---|---|---|
| Tail | Longer than body | Shorter than body |
| Lives | Attics, trees | Burrows, ground |
| Droppings | ~1/2 in, pointed | ~3/4 in, blunt |
Not sure which you have? See the types of rats in California or mouse vs rat.
Why Total Pest Control
Family-owned and operated in Fresno since 2020, fully licensed (CA SPCB #8539), and focused on the Central Valley. We treat your home like ours: honest inspections, no-cost quotes, and methods chosen with your family and pets in mind — not just speed.
Serving Fresno & the Central Valley
Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, Reedley, Kingsburg, Selma, and surrounding communities.
📞 Call (559) 472-8200Rat control in Fresno — FAQ
How fast can you get rid of rats?
Most homes see activity drop within the first week or two of trapping, but full control depends on sealing entry points so new rats can’t replace the ones we remove. We give you a realistic timeline at the inspection.
Do you use poison, and is it safe around pets?
We lead with exclusion and trapping and use bait only when appropriate and in tamper-resistant stations — never scattered around your home or yard. That protects pets and wildlife and avoids dead rodents in your walls.
How do rats get in?
Usually through roofline and eave gaps, vents, and gaps around pipes (roof rats), or foundation cracks and crawlspace vents (Norway rats). A rat needs only a half-inch gap.
How much does rat control cost?
It depends on the size of the infestation, the structure, and how much sealing is needed, so we quote after a no-cost inspection rather than guessing over the phone. See rodent inspection and cost.
Are roof rats dangerous?
They can carry disease, contaminate food and insulation, and gnaw wiring (a fire risk), so prompt removal is worthwhile.
Explore rodent control
Hearing rats in the attic?
Get a no-cost inspection and a clear plan to clear them out and keep them out. Call (559) 472-8200 or request your inspection online.