🌲 Serving North Bay Since 1946
HomeServicesRodent Control
Pest Control Services

Professional Rodent Control in Sonoma, Marin & Napa Counties

Comprehensive rat and mouse control — inspection, trapping, exclusion, and prevention — for homeowners and businesses across North Bay California.

Licensed & Certified
Exclusion Specialists
Same-Day Available

Rodent Problems Are Common — and Serious — in North Bay

Rats and mice are among the most damaging pests in Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties. They contaminate food, damage insulation and wiring, introduce fleas and disease, and reproduce rapidly. A small rodent problem can become a major infestation within weeks if not addressed by a professional.

Redwood Empire has been controlling rodent populations in North Bay properties since 1946. We know the local species, their seasonal behaviors, and the specific vulnerabilities of North Bay construction — knowledge that comes only from decades of direct experience.

Inspection / exclusion photo — add via Gallery

Rats vs. Mice — Species We Control

Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Norway rats are heavy-bodied ground dwellers common throughout North Bay. They burrow under foundations, concrete slabs, and wood piles. They enter structures through gaps at ground level — around pipes, utility penetrations, and damaged foundation vents. Norway rats are strong swimmers and commonly associated with drainage systems.

Roof Rats (Rattus rattus)

Roof rats are the most common rat species in Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties. Slender and agile, they travel along utility lines, fences, and tree branches to access rooflines and attics. They nest in attic insulation, wall voids, and dense vegetation. Roof rat populations have expanded significantly throughout North Bay in recent years.

House Mice (Mus musculus)

House mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. They nest in wall voids, cabinets, and stored materials. Common in residential kitchens, garages, and crawl spaces. Mice reproduce rapidly — a single pair can produce 6–10 litters per year — making early intervention essential.

Our Rodent Control Process

1

Inspection & Species Identification

We conduct a thorough interior and exterior inspection, identifying species, nesting locations, entry points, runways, and the extent of infestation. Attic and crawl space examination is included.

2

Targeted Trapping & Population Control

We deploy tamper-resistant bait stations and trapping devices at strategic locations — inside the structure, along active runways, and at identified entry points. Placement is designed for maximum effectiveness while minimizing risk to children and pets.

3

Entry Point Exclusion

Once the active population is controlled, we seal every identified entry point using professional-grade materials — galvanized hardware cloth, copper mesh, concrete, and caulk. This is the step most pest companies skip. We don't.

4

Follow-Up Monitoring

We return to verify elimination, service trapping devices, and confirm all exclusion points are holding. Follow-up visits continue until we confirm the property is rodent-free.

Sanitation Risks of Rodent Infestations

Rodents are not just a nuisance — they are a serious public health concern. North Bay homeowners should be aware of the risks an active infestation creates:

  • Hantavirus: Transmitted through contact with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting material. Roof rats and deer mice in Northern California are the primary carriers.
  • Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through rat urine that can contaminate water and soil.
  • Salmonellosis: Rodents contaminate food storage areas and food preparation surfaces.
  • Fleas and ticks: Rodents carry and introduce these parasites into homes, creating secondary infestation risk.
  • Structural damage: Rodents gnaw electrical wiring (a leading cause of house fires), insulation, plumbing, and wood framing.
Rodent Droppings Require Proper Handling. Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings — this aerosolizes harmful particles. Contact us for guidance on safe cleanup procedures after an infestation is eliminated.

Rodent Prevention Recommendations

  • Seal all gaps 1/4 inch or larger around pipes, vents, and utilities
  • Install tight-fitting door sweeps on all exterior doors
  • Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the roofline (18-inch clearance)
  • Store firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and away from the structure
  • Keep food in sealed containers and remove pet food overnight
  • Eliminate standing water sources around the property
  • Schedule annual pest inspections to catch activity early

Service Areas — Rodent Control

We provide rodent control throughout Sonoma County (Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol), Marin County (Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Fairfax, San Anselmo), Napa County (Napa, St. Helena, American Canyon, Calistoga), and Solano County (Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Benicia).

Frequently Asked Questions — Rodent Control

Rats leave droppings the size of a raisin, while mouse droppings are much smaller — about the size of a grain of rice. Rats also tend to leave grease marks along walls and gnaw larger holes. A professional inspection will identify the species and locate entry points.
Yes — roof rats in particular are excellent climbers and commonly nest in attics throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties. They access structures via tree branches, utility lines, and gaps around eaves. Attic inspections are a standard part of our rodent assessment.
Exclusion is the key. We identify and seal every entry point — gaps in the foundation, openings around pipes, damaged vents, and roof line gaps. Trapping eliminates existing populations; exclusion prevents reinfestation.
We use tamper-resistant bait stations and targeted placement strategies designed to minimize risk to children and pets. Your technician will provide specific guidance on precautions based on your property.
Initial treatment is completed in one visit. Active infestations typically require 2–4 follow-up visits over 3–4 weeks to confirm elimination. Exclusion work is performed once the active population is controlled.

Rodents Move Fast — So Do We

Same-day and next-day appointments available throughout North Bay. Don't let a small problem become a large infestation.

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