Houston Rodent Control & Exclusion

⚠️ Houston's Perfect Storm for Rodents

Houston consistently ranks among the top 10 US cities for rodent problems. Our mild winters allow rats and mice to breed year-round (vs. seasonal breeding in colder climates). The city's extensive bayou system, aging infrastructure, restaurants, and residential density create ideal conditions. Norway rats thrive near Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou, roof rats infest trees throughout Houston neighborhoods, and house mice invade homes citywide.

Bayou System

Houston's extensive network of bayous provides perfect rodent habitat – water, shelter, and food sources. Norway rats burrow in bayou banks and spread to nearby neighborhoods. Homes near Buffalo Bayou, White Oak Bayou, and Brays Bayou face constant rodent pressure.

Tree-Covered Neighborhoods

Houston's mature oak trees in neighborhoods like The Heights, West University, Bellaire, and Memorial provide highways for roof rats. These rodents travel along branches and enter homes through rooflines, attics, and second-story openings.

Urban Density

Houston's dense urban core (Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Heights) provides abundant food sources – restaurants, dumpsters, outdoor dining. Rodents thrive where people congregate. High-rise apartments see mice entering through utility penetrations and elevator shafts.

Year-Round Breeding

Houston's mild winters allow continuous rodent reproduction. Rats can produce 6-8 litters per year in Houston (vs. 2-3 in colder climates). A single female rat can lead to 15,000 descendants in one year under ideal Houston conditions.

🐀 Norway Rats (Sewer Rats)

Large brown rats (10-17 inches including tail) that burrow in the ground. Most common near Houston bayous, older neighborhoods, and areas with poor sanitation.

• Where found: Burrows in yards, under slabs, near bayous, sewers, crawl spaces
• Entry points: Ground-level gaps, foundation cracks, utility penetrations, broken vents
• Signs: Burrows in yard (2-4 inch holes), greasy rub marks along foundations, large droppings (¾ inch)
• Damage: Chew through wood, plastic, soft concrete; contaminate food; carry disease
• Houston hotspots: Near Buffalo Bayou, older East End, Northside, Fifth Ward neighborhoods

🐀 Roof Rats (Black Rats)

Sleek dark rats (13-18 inches including tail) that climb trees and enter homes through rooflines. Houston's #1 rodent problem in tree-covered neighborhoods.

• Where found: Attics, trees, upper levels of homes, Spanish tile roofs, palm trees
• Entry points: Roof vents, soffit gaps, ridge vents, utility lines, overhanging tree branches
• Signs: Scratching in attic at night, droppings in attic (½ inch, pointed ends), gnawed wires
• Damage: Chew electrical wiring (fire hazard), destroy insulation, contaminate attic with urine/feces
• Houston hotspots: The Heights, West U, Bellaire, Memorial, River Oaks – anywhere with mature trees

🐭 House Mice

Small gray-brown mice (5-7 inches including tail) that can squeeze through dime-sized openings. Common in Houston apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.

• Where found: Kitchens, pantries, wall voids, cabinets, garages, storage areas
• Entry points: Tiny gaps around pipes, AC line penetrations, garage doors, weep holes
• Signs: Small droppings (¼ inch rice-sized), gnawed food packaging, musty odor, scratching in walls
• Damage: Contaminate food, chew through packaging, nest in insulation, transmit diseases
• Houston hotspots: High-rise apartments, older homes, restaurants, warehouses throughout Houston

Do I need exclusion work or just trapping?

You NEED exclusion work. Trapping without exclusion is like bailing water from a sinking boat without plugging the hole. Houston's rodent pressure means new rodents will enter within days of removing the current population. Exclusion (sealing entry points) is the only permanent solution. We always recommend complete service (trapping + exclusion).

Why are rats so common in Houston?

Houston's bayou system provides perfect rodent habitat, mild winters allow year-round breeding, mature trees in older neighborhoods create roof rat highways, and urban density provides abundant food sources. Houston ranks among the top 10 US cities for rodent problems. Homes near Buffalo Bayou, White Oak Bayou, and tree-heavy neighborhoods face the worst pressure.

Should I use poison or traps for rats in my Houston home?

TRAPS, not poison. Poison causes rodents to die in inaccessible areas (walls, attics, under slabs) creating horrible odors for weeks. Houston's heat accelerates decomposition and odor. Poisoned rodents also pose secondary poisoning risk to pets and wildlife. Professional snap traps eliminate rodents humanely with no odor issues.

How do roof rats get into Houston homes?

Roof rats climb trees and jump to rooflines (they can jump 4 feet horizontally). They enter through roof vents, soffit gaps, ridge vents, damaged flashing, and gaps around utility penetrations. In Houston's tree-covered neighborhoods (Heights, West U, Bellaire), roof rats are the #1 rodent problem. Tree trimming (6-8 feet from roofline) is critical prevention.

Do I need attic cleanup after rodents?

For light infestations (minimal droppings, no urine saturation), sanitization spray is sufficient. For moderate to heavy infestations (visible urine stains, heavy fecal contamination, destroyed insulation), full attic cleanup is recommended for health and energy efficiency. Rodent urine contains harmful pathogens and destroys insulation R-value. Many Houston homeowners choose cleanup for peace of mind.

How long does rodent control take in Houston?

Initial service (inspection + trap placement + basic exclusion) takes 2-4 hours. Trapping period is typically 1-3 weeks with trap checks every 3-5 days. Extensive exclusion work may require additional visits. Attic cleanup adds 1-2 days. Most Houston homes are rodent-free within 3-4 weeks of starting service.