Rat Control – Regal Pest Control Michigan

Rat Control

Rat elimination and exclusion services for homes and businesses throughout Southeast Michigan.

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Rat Control in Southeast Michigan

Rats are a serious pest problem for homes and businesses throughout Southeast Michigan. The Norway rat - also known as the brown rat or sewer rat - is the species most commonly encountered in our area. Larger and more aggressive than mice, rats cause significant structural damage and pose substantial health risks to occupants.

Rats gnaw through wood, drywall, insulation, and electrical wiring. They contaminate food, food preparation surfaces, and stored goods with droppings, urine, and fur. Because rats are neophobic - cautious around new objects - successful control requires a strategic, experienced approach.

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Rat Control Michigan

Where They Are Found

Basements, crawl spaces, and below slabs
Along foundations and under porches
Garages, sheds, and outbuildings
Near trash receptacles and compost areas
Sewer lines and utility tunnels
Wall voids and drop ceilings

Identification

One rat species dominates in Southeast Michigan. Here is what to look for.

Norway Rat

A large, heavy-bodied rodent, 7–10 inches in body length, with a blunt snout, small ears, and a thick tail shorter than the body. Brown to gray in color. Primarily ground-dwelling - they burrow along foundations, under slabs, and in debris piles.

Signs of Rats

Large droppings (3/4 inch, capsule-shaped), gnaw marks on structural materials or food packaging, grease smear marks along walls and pipes, burrow openings near the foundation, and scratching or thumping sounds are all signs of rat activity.

Rats vs. Mice

Rats are substantially larger than mice - roughly 10x the body weight of a house mouse. Rat droppings are much larger. Rats are more cautious and harder to trap without proper technique and placement, making professional treatment important.

How We Treat

Rat control requires a comprehensive approach. We conduct a thorough inspection to locate burrows, runways, entry points, and harborage areas both inside and outside the structure. Bait stations and trapping are strategically deployed based on rat behavior and travel patterns. Because rats are wary of new objects, proper placement and timing are critical.

Exclusion is essential. Rats can enter through openings as small as 1/2 inch. We identify and document key entry points so they can be permanently sealed to prevent re-entry. For active exterior burrow populations, exterior baiting programs are available.

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FAQ

Yes. Rats are associated with serious diseases including leptospirosis, salmonella, and rat-bite fever. They contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, and their gnawing on electrical wiring is a recognized fire hazard. Rat activity in a structure should be addressed promptly.
Rats are neophobic - they are instinctively cautious around new objects and changes in their environment. This means improperly placed bait stations and traps are often ignored. Effective rat control requires knowledge of rat behavior, proper bait station placement along established runways, and patience. Our technicians are trained specifically in rodent behavior and control techniques.
Yes, though it is uncommon. Norway rats are capable swimmers and can travel through sewer lines. In areas with aging sewer infrastructure, rat entry through plumbing is possible. If this is suspected, a plumbing inspection is recommended in addition to pest control treatment.
The clearest indicator is dropping size. Mouse droppings are small - about the size of a grain of rice. Rat droppings are much larger, roughly 3/4 of an inch, and capsule-shaped. Gnaw marks, burrow openings, and the sounds of activity (rats tend to be louder and heavier-sounding) also help distinguish the two. If you're unsure, our technicians can confirm during an inspection.

Other Pests We Treat

Mice control MichiganMice Bed Bug control MichiganBed Bugs Ant control MichiganAnts Cockroach control MichiganCockroaches All Pests →

Covered Under Our Service Plans

Rats are covered under our service plans, which protect against over 20 pest types with no contract and unlimited free re-services between visits.

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