Rodent control in Metro Atlanta means removing the rats or mice already inside, then sealing the gaps they use to get in. Roof rats often enter attics along tree limbs and rooflines, while Norway rats and mice come in low. A complete job includes inspection, trapping or baiting, exclusion, sanitation of droppings, and follow-up visits.
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Rats and mice are common in Metro Atlanta homes, especially as temperatures drop in fall and rodents look for warm shelter. The main culprits are roof rats, which are agile climbers that often end up in attics; Norway rats, which tend to burrow and stay low around foundations and crawlspaces; and house mice. Rodents contaminate food and surfaces, chew wiring and insulation, and can carry disease, so it's worth acting quickly.
Signs of rodents
- Scratching or running sounds in the attic, walls, or ceiling, often at night.
- Droppings in cabinets, drawers, the attic, or along walls.
- Gnawed food packaging, wiring, or wood.
- Greasy rub marks along walls, beams, or entry holes.
- Nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
Why exclusion matters
Trapping removes the rodents already inside, but new ones will follow the same route if the openings stay open. Mice can squeeze through a gap about the size of a dime, and rats through one about the size of a quarter. Exclusion means finding and sealing those gaps with durable materials such as hardware cloth, sheet metal, and sealant designed for the purpose. Common entry points include:
- Gaps where pipes, AC lines, and cables enter the house.
- Roof returns, gable and soffit vents, and gaps at the roofline.
- Garage doors with worn seals.
- Crawlspace vents and doors.
- Tree limbs touching the roof, which roof rats use as highways.
What a rodent job typically includes
- Inspection of the attic, crawlspace, roofline, and exterior to find activity and entry points.
- Trapping or baiting, with traps or bait stations placed and checked on a schedule. Ask how they'll handle bait around kids, pets, and wildlife.
- Exclusion of entry points once activity is under control.
- Sanitation, which can include removing droppings and contaminated insulation in heavily affected attics.
- Follow-up visits to confirm the problem is solved.
Clean up safely
Don't sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, which can stir up dust. Public health guidance recommends ventilating the area, wearing gloves, wetting droppings and nesting material with a disinfectant or bleach solution, and wiping them up with paper towels. For large or heavily contaminated areas such as an attic, consider hiring a professional.
Make your home less inviting
- Store food, pet food, and birdseed in sealed containers.
- Keep garbage cans lidded and away from the house.
- Trim tree limbs back from the roof.
- Clean up fallen fruit, nuts, and clutter near the foundation.
Hearing noises overhead? Request a pest control company and tell us where you're noticing activity.
Frequently asked questions
How small a hole can a mouse get through?
Mice can squeeze through a gap about the size of a dime, and rats through one about the size of a quarter, which is why sealing small openings matters.
Is it safe to clean up rodent droppings myself?
For small areas, public health guidance is to ventilate, wear gloves, soak droppings with disinfectant or bleach solution, and wipe them up. Don't sweep or vacuum them. Consider a professional for heavily contaminated attics.
Why do I hear rats in my attic in the fall?
As nights cool, rodents look for warm shelter, and roof rats are strong climbers that reach attics from trees, wires, and the roofline. Trimming limbs and sealing roof-level gaps helps.