Rat and Mice Exterminators, Control & Removal

Serving Vancouver WA | Portland OR | Beaverton OR

A rodent infestation can mean serious trouble for home and business owners. Despite their small size, rats and mice are capable of causing significant property damage by chewing on key structural components. And, with some rodents carrying over 35 different diseases and bloodborne pathogens, these pests can pose a big threat to human health. 

With how damaging rats and mice can be, it’s important to treat infestations quickly. However, rodents are also very resourceful creatures that can crawl through even the smallest of cracks. Rats can squish through a hole the size of a quarter, while mice can slip through spaces the size of a dime. Getting rid of infestations can be very tricky, which is why it’s important for home and business owners to get help from experienced rat and mice exterminators like those at Antworks. If you are dealing with a rodent problem, we can help! Give us a call today to get started.

Common Rats and Mice in the Pacific Northwest

Knowing a bit about the common types of mice and rats in the Pacific Northwest can help you identify infestations faster and more effectively protect your space from these pests. In the Vancouver WA and Portland OR areas, we have four main types of rodents:

• Norway rats: Norway rats are the largest species that we encounter here in the PNW. They are generally grayish brown to reddish brown with darker fur and shorter tails,  and they can weigh over one pound – which is more than twice as large as roof rats.
• Roof rats: Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats and have a longer tail, which allows them to easily climb up tall structures, hence their nickname. They also typically have a pointier snout, longer ears, and lighter gray fur than Norway rats.
• House mice: Though house mice are much smaller than rats, they can be just as destructive. They typically have a light-colored belly and measure between 5-7 inches. Because mice produce so rapidly, infestations can spread throughout a home very quickly.
• Deer mice: Deer mice are commonly found outdoors, though they may sneak inside during cold weather. These mice are also very agile and known for jumping and running, and they generally have a white underbelly with a bicolored tail.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Identifying a rat or mouse infestation early on can help you avoid damage or health consequences, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of these pests. Here are some signs of a rodent infestation to watch for:

• Droppings throughout the house. Rodents often leave behind tiny droppings in areas such as kitchen cabinets, pantries, and drawers. Though both rat and mouse droppings are usually black in color, rat droppings are significantly larger. If you spot feces around your home, you are likely facing an infestation.
• Scratching noises in your walls or ceiling. Rats and mice can travel through small spaces, including within your walls. Scratching noises throughout your home could be a sign that rodents are infesting your property.
• Signs of chewing throughout your home. Rodents chew on various materials, both to help grind down their ever-growing teeth and to build nests. Either way, rats and mice can cause considerable damage to your property by chewing on all sorts of things – from electrical wires to wooden posts.