If you’ve ever heard scratching in your walls at night or found mysterious droppings in the pantry, you’re not alone. Rodents are one of the top pest problems for homeowners in Northern California. While their activity ramps up in the fall as cooler weather drives them indoors, the truth is that every season can be “rodent season” here. From roof rats in attics to mice sneaking through tiny foundation gaps, these pests always look for a way inside.
Catching the early signs is key to stopping an infestation before it gets out of control. That’s why Big Time Pest Control has put together this guide so you can recognize the signs of rodents, understand the risks they bring, and know when it’s time to call in the pros.
Common Rodent Species
House Mice
House mice are the most common rodents that get inside homes in Northern California. They are small with grayish-brown bodies and creamy underbellies. House mice thrive indoors, often nesting in wall voids, attics, and storage areas.
Deer Mice
Deer mice are slightly larger than house mice and have whiter underbellies. They are also less likely to appear inside, but that doesn’t mean they never infest homes. They’re most likely to nest in dark, cluttered spaces when they get indoors.
Norway Rats
Norway rats are large rats with heavy bodies. Sometimes called sewer rats, they usually stick to the ground levels of homes, nesting near foundations or inside basements. They are especially common in heavily populated areas.
Roof Rats
Roof rats are thinner than Norway rats and are excellent climbers. They are usually found in the upper levels of homes, nesting in attics and rafters.
Signs of Infestation
Rodents rarely move in quietly. In fact, they usually leave behind plenty of clues that give them away. The challenge is knowing what to look for. Here are the most common signs of rodent activity in Northern California homes:
Droppings
Tiny, dark, rod-shaped droppings are a telltale sign of mice, while rat droppings are larger with blunt ends. You’ll often spot them near food sources like the kitchen or pantry. Both are dark in color.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents chew constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, wires, wood, and even pipes.
Noises in the Night
If you hear scampering, scratching, or squeaking in the walls or attic after dark, chances are you’ve got company.
Nesting Materials
Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric tucked into hidden spaces (behind boxes, under appliances, in the attic) are signs rodents are making themselves at home.
Grease Trails and Smudge Marks
Rats and mice often run along walls and baseboards, leaving behind greasy rub marks from their fur.
Footprints and Tail Marks
You might see small footprints or tail drag marks in dusty areas like the basement or garage.
Sightings
Seeing a live or dead rodent is the most obvious sign and usually means there are more hiding out of sight.
Health & Property Risks
Rodents aren’t just a nuisance; mice and rats threaten your home and health.
- Health Risks: Rodents spread diseases and cause illness, including salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis, through their droppings, urine, and saliva. They can contaminate food and surfaces without you even realizing it.
- Property Damage: Mice and rats are notorious chewers. They gnaw on wiring (a leading cause of house fires), insulation, wood, and even plumbing, which can result in costly water damage. Over time, even a small infestation can snowball into serious structural issues.
- Ongoing Growth: Rodents reproduce quickly, so the longer an infestation lingers, the bigger the problem gets and the more expensive it becomes to fix.
Rodent Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with rodents is to keep them out in the first place. Northern California’s mix of cooler nights, rainy winters, and long dry summers means rodents always seek shelter, water, and food. A few simple steps can go a long way toward making your home less inviting:
- Seal entry points with steel wool, caulking, or hardware cloth. Even small cracks should be addressed, since mice can squeeze through a dime-sized opening.
- Install door sweeps and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Clear storage spaces of unnecessary clutter and keep boxes off the floor.
- Use airtight containers for food, pet food, and pantry items.
- Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly covered and away from your house.
- Trim trees and shrubs so they don’t touch the sides or roof of your home.
- Maintain a tidy yard by removing debris and leaf litter.
- Reduce moisture around your property and inside your house.
- Clean up crumbs, spills, and dirty dishes after each meal.
When to Call the Pest Control Professionals
Sometimes it’s hard to know when to handle a pest problem yourself and when to call in the experts. With rodents, acting quickly makes all the difference. Here are a few situations where calling Big Time Pest Control is the smart move:
- DIY efforts aren’t enough: If traps or baits haven’t solved the problem, rodents are likely finding ways around your efforts.
- Multiple warning signs: Droppings in the pantry, scratching in the walls, and gnaw marks on wiring often point to a larger infestation.
- Widespread activity: Seeing rodents in several areas of your home or yard usually means they’ve established themselves.
- Concerns about safety or damage: From chewing on electrical wires to spreading diseases, rodents bring serious risks you shouldn’t ignore.
- Preventive peace of mind: Even if you haven’t seen rodents, a professional inspection and ongoing home pest control can stop an infestation before it starts.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to let trained professionals step in. Big Time Pest Control has the tools, knowledge, and experience to eliminate existing rodent activity and keep them out.
Why Hire Our Local Pest Control Company for Your Rodent Problem
Rodent control in Northern California can be tricky. Roof rats, Norway rats, and mice each behave differently, and DIY methods like traps or baits often don’t solve the root of the problem. That’s where Big Time Pest Control comes in.
Here’s why homeowners across NorCal trust us to keep their homes rodent-free:
- Local Knowledge: We understand the unique rodent pressures in Northern California, from roof rats in Chico attics to Norway rats around Redding foundations.
- Rapid Response: Call before noon for same-day service. We also offer Saturday appointments.
- Expert Technicians: Our pros are highly trained to identify the species, find entry points, and deliver effective treatments tailored to your home.
- Specialized Rodent Services: We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s mice in the kitchen or rats in the crawl space, we target the problem at its source.
- Customer Satisfaction: Homeowners choose us for our professionalism, courtesy, and proven results. Your peace of mind is our priority.
What to Expect from Big Time Pest Control
- Thorough Inspection: We check inside and out to locate entry points, nesting areas, and signs of activity.
- Custom Treatment Plan: We design a solution specific to your home, based on the rodent species and level of infestation.
- Safe Baiting & Trapping: Our methods are effective against rodents while keeping your family and pets safe.
- Follow-Up Service: We don’t just set and forget — we return to ensure the problem is solved and adjust treatments if needed.
- Prevention Guidance: We’ll give you practical tips to help keep rodents from coming back.
Early action makes all the difference. If you’ve noticed signs of rodents in your Northern California home, don’t wait; contact Big Time Pest Control today!
