Professional Rodent Control in Calgary
Rodents can enter buildings looking for food, shelter, warmth, and nesting areas. In Calgary and surrounding areas, homeowners may encounter house mice, deer mice, voles, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels, while some other small mammals are often mistaken for rats. Alberta identifies the house mouse and deer mouse among the most common mice encountered in the province of Alberta.
Pest Pro Exterminator provides professional rodent inspection, removal, exclusion, monitoring, and prevention services for residential and commercial properties in Calgary and surrounding communities.
Our Rodent Services
- House Mouse Control
- Deer Mouse Control
- Vole Control
- Pocket Gopher Control
- Ground Squirrel Control
- Rodent Entry-Point Inspection
- Rodent Exclusion & Prevention
- Commercial Rodent Control
- Condominium & Apartment Rodent Control
What Rodents Are Found in Calgary?
Not every small mammal seen around a Calgary property is a rat. Alberta specifically notes that mice, voles, pocket gophers, ground squirrels, muskrats, and other animals can be mistaken for rats.
Here are some of the rodents you may encounter around Calgary.
House Mouse
House mice are one of the most common rodents associated with buildings.
They are small, slender rodents with relatively large ears, a pointed nose, and a long tail. Alberta describes house mice as common indoors and notes that they can enter through very small openings. Alberta.ca
Signs of house mice
- Small droppings
- Gnaw marks
- Scratching sounds
- Nesting material
- Chewed food packaging
- Mouse activity around kitchens and storage areas
- Activity inside walls, ceilings, cabinets, and utility spaces
House mice can contaminate food and damage insulation, building materials, furniture, and electrical wiring.
Deer Mouse
Deer mice are another rodent found in Alberta and can occur around Calgary properties, particularly where buildings are adjacent to natural, landscaped, or rural areas.
They are recognizable by their brown back, white underside, white feet, and distinctly two-coloured tail.
Deer mice can enter garages, sheds, basements, storage areas, and other structures looking for shelter.
Common signs include:
- Droppings
- Nesting materials
- Gnawing
- Tracks
- Food damage
- Rodent sounds inside walls
Deer mice are also the mouse species specifically associated with hantavirus risk in Alberta health information, so contaminated areas should be handled carefully.
Voles are small, stocky rodents that are sometimes called field mice.
Alberta identifies the meadow vole, commonly called a field mouse, among the troublesome rodent species found in the province. Meadow voles have short legs and tails and are generally associated with vegetation and outdoor areas.
Voles may become noticeable around:
- Lawns
- Gardens
- Plant beds
- Landscaping
- Shrubs
- Fences
- Snow-covered areas
- Rural and suburban properties
Signs of vole activity
- Narrow runways through grass
- Chewed vegetation
- Gnawing around plants
- Small holes
- Tunnels beneath vegetation
- Damage appearing after snow melts
Northern Pocket Gophers
Northern pocket gophers are true burrowing rodents found in Alberta. They spend most of their lives underground and are commonly identified by the fresh soil mounds they create rather than by seeing the animal itself.
They can cause problems around:
- Lawns
- Gardens
- Acreages
- Rural properties
- Pastures
- Landscaped areas
Signs of pocket gophers
- Fresh soil mounds
- Burrow openings
- Damaged roots
- Disturbed soil
- Plants wilting or disappearing
Northern pocket gophers are different from Richardson’s ground squirrels and require a different management approach.
Richardson’s Ground Squirrels
Richardson’s ground squirrels are commonly called gophers in Calgary and Alberta.
They are ground-dwelling rodents that create burrows and can be found around lawns, open areas, parks, agricultural properties, and other suitable habitats. The City of Calgary recognizes Richardson’s ground squirrels as native wildlife in the Calgary area.
Signs of ground squirrel activity
- Multiple burrow entrances
- Soil around burrows
- Ground squirrel sightings
- Damaged vegetation
- Activity around open lawns and landscaped areas
Important: Richardson’s ground squirrels are not the same animal as northern pocket gophers, even though both are sometimes called “gophers.”
Squirrel Removal
Red Squirrels & Other Tree Squirrels
Tree squirrels can become a nuisance when they move from nearby trees onto buildings and find an opening around the soffit, roofline, eaves, vents or attic. In Alberta, red squirrels are documented as taking up residence in homes and other buildings, where they can damage insulation and chew electrical wiring. Alberta also specifically identifies soffits, eavestroughs, roof openings and utility openings as areas homeowners should inspect for squirrel entry.
What About Rats in Calgary?
A rodent that looks like a rat isn’t necessarily a rat.
Alberta’s rat-control information explains that many animals reported as rats are actually other rodents, including mice, voles, pocket gophers, and other small mammals. Alberta.ca
Alberta identifies the Norway rat as the most common rat species in the Canadian Prairies and maintains a provincial rat-control program.
If you believe you have seen a rat, accurate identification is important before determining what type of response is appropriate.
Rodents Commonly Mistaken for Rats
| Rodent | Typical Identification | Common Location |
|---|---|---|
| House Mouse | Small, grey/brown, large ears | Homes & buildings |
| Deer Mouse | Brown back, white underside & feet | Buildings & natural areas |
| Meadow Vole | Stocky body, short tail | Grass & vegetation |
| Northern Pocket Gopher | Large claws, short tail, burrowing | Lawns & soil |
| Richardson’s Ground Squirrel | Larger, bushy tail, ground burrows | Open lawns & fields |
| Norway Rat | Much larger body and tail | Requires accurate identification |
Alberta’s rodent identification guide provides a useful comparison of these animals. Alberta.ca
Signs You May Have a Rodent Problem
You may have rodent activity if you notice:
Droppings
Small droppings around cabinets, storage areas, appliances, or other sheltered locations can indicate mouse activity.
Gnaw Marks
Rodents may chew packaging, wood, insulation, and other materials.
Scratching Sounds
Sounds inside walls, ceilings, or other concealed spaces may indicate rodent movement.
Nesting Materials
Shredded paper, insulation, fabric, plant material, or other soft materials may be used for nesting.
Entry Holes
Small gaps around foundations, doors, pipes, vents, garages, and utility penetrations can provide access.
Burrows & Soil Mounds
Outdoor rodent activity may be indicated by holes, tunnels, runways, or fresh soil mounds.
Why Rodents Enter Calgary Homes
Rodents are generally looking for three basic things:
Food + Shelter + Water
Common attractants and access points include:
- Unsealed food
- Garbage
- Pet food
- Bird seed
- Vegetation
- Yard debris
- Compost
- Gaps around doors
- Foundation openings
- Utility penetrations
- Garage gaps
- Damaged vents
- Openings around pipes
Alberta recommends combining sanitation, exclusion, monitoring, and population management rather than relying on a single control method. Alberta.ca
Our Rodent Control Process
1. Rodent Inspection
We inspect accessible interior and exterior areas for evidence of rodent activity.
2. Rodent Identification
Correct identification helps determine the animal’s behaviour, habitat, and appropriate management approach.
3. Find Entry Points
We look for potential access points around:
- Foundations
- Doors
- Garages
- Vents
- Pipes
- Utility penetrations
- Exterior walls
- Roofline areas
4. Targeted Rodent Management
We develop a control plan based on the rodent species, property conditions, activity level, and location.
5. Monitoring & Follow-Up
Follow-up can help determine whether rodent activity has decreased and whether additional measures are necessary.
6. Prevention & Exclusion
Where appropriate, we provide recommendations for reducing access to the building and correcting conditions that may contribute to recurring rodent activity.
Rodent Control for Calgary Condominiums & Apartments
Rodent problems in multi-unit buildings can be more complicated because rodents may move through:
- Wall voids
- Utility spaces
- Mechanical areas
- Garages
- Storage rooms
- Common areas
- Building penetrations
Pest Pro Exterminator provides rodent management services for condominiums, apartment buildings, rental properties, and property managers.
Commercial Rodent Control Calgary
Rodents can create significant concerns for businesses, particularly properties where food, waste, storage, or multiple entry points are present.
We provide rodent control for:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Commercial buildings
- Warehouses
- Apartment buildings
- Condominiums
- Property management companies
- Retail properties
- Other commercial facilities
A commercial rodent program can incorporate inspection, monitoring, sanitation recommendations, exclusion, and ongoing service where appropriate.
Why Choose Pest Pro Exterminator?
Professional Pest Management
Our approach begins with identifying the rodent and understanding the conditions contributing to the infestation.
Residential & Commercial Experience
We provide rodent services for houses, condos, apartments, rental properties, businesses, and multi-unit buildings.
Calgary-Focused Service
We understand the types of rodents and outdoor conditions encountered in Calgary and surrounding communities.
Integrated Pest Management
Our approach can combine:
Inspection → Identification → Exclusion → Control → Monitoring → Prevention
Calgary & Surrounding Areas
Pest Pro Exterminator provides rodent control services in:
Calgary • Airdrie • Cochrane • Chestermere • Okotoks • Strathmore • High River • Langdon • De Winton • Turner Valley • Black Diamond • Bragg Creek
Frequently Asked Questions
What rodents are common in Calgary?
Rodents encountered in and around Calgary can include house mice, deer mice, meadow voles, northern pocket gophers, and Richardson’s ground squirrels. Other small mammals may also be encountered, while suspected rats require accurate identification. Alberta.ca
Are mice and rats the same?
No. Mice and rats are different rodents with significant differences in size, appearance, behaviour, and management.
What is the difference between a pocket gopher and a gopher?
In Alberta, northern pocket gophers are true pocket gophers, while Richardson’s ground squirrels are commonly called gophers. They are different animals and should not be confused. Alberta.ca
Can rodents get into walls?
Yes. Mice can travel through wall, ceiling, and service spaces inside buildings. Alberta.ca
Do rodents damage electrical wiring?
Yes. Mice can gnaw on electrical wiring as well as insulation and other building materials. Alberta.ca
How do I know if I have mice?
Droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, nesting materials, food damage, and sightings can all indicate mouse activity.
Do you control rodents in condos?
Yes. We provide rodent management for condominium and apartment properties, including multi-unit environments.
Need Rodent Removal in Calgary?
If you’ve noticed droppings, scratching sounds, gnaw marks, burrows, soil mounds, or rodent sightings, Pest Pro Exterminator can help identify the problem and develop an appropriate control plan.
Call our 24/7 hotline at 1(833) 579-0860 – o r – Text/Call (587)500-8857
Pest Pro Exterminator – Rodent Removal – Serving Calgary & Surrounding Areas
