Fort Worth Rodent Control & Exclusion

⚠️ Fort Worth's Growing Rodent Issue

Fort Worth's rapid expansion and mild Texas winters create ideal conditions for year-round rodent activity. The Trinity River, older neighborhoods with mature trees, downtown development, and suburban sprawl all contribute to rodent pressure. Roof rats thrive in Fort Worth's tree-covered communities (Fairmount, Ryan Place, Berkeley), Norway rats burrow near the Trinity River and stockyards area, and house mice invade homes throughout Tarrant County.

Trinity River Corridor

The Trinity River and its tributaries provide water and shelter for large Norway rat populations. These rats burrow in riverbanks and spread to nearby Fort Worth neighborhoods, parks, and businesses. Homes near the river face continuous rodent pressure.

Historic Neighborhoods

Fort Worth's older neighborhoods (Fairmount, Ryan Place, Mistletoe Heights, Berkeley) feature mature oak and pecan trees that create roof rat highways. These tree-canopy neighborhoods see heavy roof rat activity, with rodents entering through rooflines and attics.

Urban Development

Downtown Fort Worth's revitalization, Near Southside apartments, and Stockyards tourism create rodent attractants – restaurants, dumpsters, food waste. Construction also disturbs existing rodent populations, pushing them into homes and businesses.

Mild Winters

Fort Worth's mild winters allow rats and mice to breed year-round instead of seasonally. A single pair of mice can produce 50+ offspring in one year under Fort Worth conditions. This continuous reproduction creates persistent rodent problems.

🐀 Roof Rats (Black Rats)

Fort Worth's #1 rodent problem. Sleek, dark rats (13-18 inches including tail) that climb trees and enter homes through rooflines.

• Where found: Attics, trees, upper levels of Fort Worth homes, especially in tree-covered neighborhoods
• Entry points: Roof vents, soffit gaps, ridge vents, utility lines from trees
• Signs: Scratching in attic at night, droppings (½ inch, dark, pointed ends), gnawed wires
• Damage: Chew electrical wiring (fire hazard), destroy attic insulation, contaminate with urine/feces
• Fort Worth hotspots: Fairmount, Ryan Place, Mistletoe Heights, Berkeley, Arlington Heights

🐀 Norway Rats (Sewer Rats)

Large brown rats (10-17 inches including tail) that burrow underground. Common near Trinity River, older Fort Worth neighborhoods, and commercial areas.

• Where found: Burrows in yards, crawl spaces, near water sources, sewers, under slabs
• Entry points: Ground-level gaps, foundation cracks, broken vents, utility penetrations
• Signs: Burrow holes in yard (2-4 inches), greasy rub marks on foundations, large droppings (¾ inch)
• Damage: Gnaw through wood, plastic, soft concrete; contaminate food; transmit diseases
• Fort Worth hotspots: Near Trinity River, Stockyards area, North Fort Worth, older commercial districts

🐭 House Mice

Small gray-brown mice (5-7 inches including tail) that can squeeze through dime-sized openings. Common in Fort Worth apartments, townhomes, and houses.

• Where found: Kitchens, pantries, wall voids, cabinets, garages throughout Fort Worth
• Entry points: Tiny gaps around pipes, weep holes, garage doors, AC penetrations
• Signs: Small droppings (¼ inch), gnawed food packages, musty odor, scratching in walls
• Damage: Contaminate food, nest in insulation, chew through packaging, spread disease
• Fort Worth hotspots: Apartments, older homes, restaurants citywide

Why do I need exclusion work, not just trapping?

Trapping without exclusion is temporary. Fort Worth's rodent pressure means new rats and mice will enter within days or weeks. Exclusion (sealing entry points) is the ONLY permanent solution. We always recommend complete service – trapping to eliminate current rodents + exclusion to prevent new ones.

Are roof rats common in Fort Worth?

Yes, roof rats are Fort Worth's #1 rodent problem, especially in tree-covered neighborhoods like Fairmount, Ryan Place, Berkeley, and Mistletoe Heights. They climb trees, jump to rooflines, and enter attics. Tree trimming (6-8 feet from roofline) and roof vent screening are critical prevention.

Should I use poison or traps?

ALWAYS traps. Never poison. Poisoned rodents die in walls, attics, and other inaccessible areas causing horrible odors for weeks. Fort Worth's heat makes decomposition worse. Poison also poses risks to pets and wildlife. Professional snap traps eliminate rodents humanely with no odor issues.

Do I need attic cleanup after rodents?

For light infestations (minimal droppings), sanitization spray is sufficient. For moderate to severe infestations (heavy fecal contamination, urine-soaked insulation), full attic cleanup is recommended. Rodent waste contains harmful pathogens and destroys insulation R-value, increasing energy costs.

How long does Fort Worth rodent control take?

Initial service (inspection + traps + basic exclusion) takes 2-4 hours. Trapping period is 1-3 weeks with checks every 3-5 days. Extensive exclusion work may require additional visits. Most Fort Worth homes are rodent-free within 3-4 weeks.

Can rodents chew through Fort Worth brick homes?

Rodents can't chew through brick itself, but they easily enter through gaps around windows, doors, utility penetrations, weep holes, and roof vents. Many Fort Worth brick homes have wood soffits, fascia, and roof structures that rodents can gnaw through. Brick homes still need professional exclusion work.