Rat & Mouse Control Tips | Pest Pro Exterminator Calgary
Learn how to identify, prevent, and eliminate rats and mice. Expert rodent control and prevention tips from Pest Pro Exterminator Calgary.
How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Rats and Mice in Your Home
What Are Rats and Mice?
Rats and mice are common household pests that invade homes, businesses, and storage areas in search of food and shelter.
House Mouse: Small, with large ears, light brown to dark gray fur, and a lighter belly. Often found in urban areas.
Deer Mouse: Brown or gray with a white belly, feet, and underside of the tail — a key identifier. Common near fields and woodlands.
Norway Rat: Heavy-bodied, prefers ground burrows and damp spaces like crawl areas or basements.
Roof Rat: Agile climber that nests in attics, rafters, and upper parts of buildings.
Knowing which species you have helps you choose the most effective control method — for example, a mouse trap is too small to catch a rat.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Rodents are more than a nuisance — they are carriers of serious diseases like hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. They contaminate food, chew wires, and damage property. The deer mouse, in particular, is the most common carrier of the hantavirus, which can be fatal to humans.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Watch for these warning signs:
Scratching or scampering noises in walls, ceilings, or floors
Chewed wires, gnawed furniture, or damaged food packaging
Droppings or urine stains
Burrows near foundations or visible holes along walls
Footprints or tail marks in dusty areas
Because rodents reproduce quickly, it’s essential to act at the first sign of activity before a minor issue becomes a severe infestation.
Rodent Prevention Tips
The best rodent control starts with prevention. Here’s how to rodent-proof your home:
1. Seal Entry Points
Close gaps and cracks — mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
Use metal weather stripping on doors and windows.
Patch foundation cracks and holes with steel wool and caulk.
Cover vents and soffits with fine metal mesh.
2. Remove Nesting and Food Sources
Clear clutter in basements, garages, and storage areas.
Keep grass trimmed and remove dense weeds around your home.
Store garbage in tight-fitting containers.
Raise firewood at least 30 cm (1 ft) off the ground.
Keep food and pet food in sealed glass or metal containers.
Eliminate water sources — fix leaky taps and drains.
Effective Rodent Control Methods
Traps
Use snap traps, electronic traps, or live traps for humane capture.
Place traps along walls with baited ends near the wall.
Use sticky, strong-scented bait like peanut butter or bacon grease.
Set several traps — about one every meter (yard).
Check traps daily and relocate if bait isn’t being taken.
Ultrasonic Devices
Emit high-frequency sounds to repel rodents. These work best when used alongside other control methods.
Rodenticides (Use With Caution)
Only use products with a Pest Control Product (PCP) number approved by Health Canada.
Place baits in tamper-proof stations to protect pets and children.
Common active ingredients include anticoagulants, Bacillus-based toxins, or bromethalin.
For large infestations, hire a licensed pest control professional for safe and effective application.
Safe Cleanup After Rodent Activity
Rodent droppings and urine can carry harmful pathogens. Follow these safety steps:
Wear rubber gloves and a mask.
Spray droppings with a bleach-water solution before cleaning.
Never sweep or vacuum dry droppings.
Double-bag dead rodents before disposal.
Wash hands and clothing thoroughly afterward.
Professional Rodent Control in Calgary
If you’re dealing with rats or mice in your home or business, DIY methods might not be enough. Pest Pro Exterminator Calgary provides expert rodent inspection, exclusion, and control services. Our technicians use safe, approved products and proven strategies to eliminate rodent infestations fast — and keep them from coming back.