What a proper rat removal job includes
- Inspection. The roofline, attic, garage, crawl space and exterior are checked for droppings, rub marks, gnawing and openings. A good inspection ends with photos of each entry point.
- Trapping inside. Snap traps or enclosed traps are set along the paths rats use in the attic and garage. The contractor returns to check and reset them.
- Sealing the house. Vents get hardware cloth or new screens, gaps around pipes and AC lines get sealed, and garage doors get new seals or corner guards. This is the exclusion step; see rodent proofing for what it covers.
- Follow-up. Visits continue until there is no new activity. Ask how many are included.
- Cleanup if needed. Heavy activity can leave droppings and damaged insulation. That is a separate job: attic rodent cleanup.
Roof rats vs Norway rats
The rat in most East Contra Costa attics is the roof rat. UC IPM describes it as a slim, agile climber with a tail longer than its head and body, that nests in attics, wall voids and dense landscaping and travels along fence tops and utility lines. Norway rats are heavier, burrow, and usually stay at ground level. Knowing which one you have tells the contractor where to look for the entry. More in our roof rat guide.
Signs you need rat removal now
- Scratching or running sounds in the ceiling or walls, especially after dark
- Droppings in the attic, garage, or under sinks
- Gnawed fruit on citrus or other backyard trees
- Chewed wires, ducting or stored boxes
- Rats on fences, roofs or power lines at dusk
Not sure? Our signs of rats in the attic guide walks through each one.
Mice too?
House mice get in through even smaller gaps than rats, so the same inspection and sealing approach applies. Tell the contractor if you’ve seen mice, because it changes how fine the mesh and sealing need to be.
What it costs
National guides put rat removal at roughly $189 to $655 and entry-point sealing at roughly $200 to $600, before any attic cleanup. The real number depends on the house. See the rodent control cost guide for the full table and sources.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is sealing entry points included, or only traps and bait?
- How many follow-up visits are in the price?
- What materials go on vents and gaps, and is there a warranty on the sealing?
- How do you handle dead rodents and attic contamination?
- Can I see your license? (Check it with the appropriate California board.)
Serving Brentwood and nearby Oakley, Antioch and Discovery Bay.