Signs You Have a Rodent Problem
Rodents are active at night and stay hidden during the day. Most homeowners do not see the animal - they see the evidence. Act quickly if you notice any of these signs.
Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings near food storage, under sinks, along walls, and in drawers. Mouse droppings are 3–5mm. Rat droppings are 10–15mm.
Chewed food packaging, wood, wiring, or insulation. Fresh gnaw marks are pale and rough. Old marks are dark and smooth.
Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds in walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces during nighttime hours.
Shredded fabric, paper, or insulation gathered in hidden areas - inside walls, in attic corners, or behind appliances.
Dark greasy smear marks along baseboards, pipes, and rafters where rodents travel regularly.
A musky, ammonia-like smell from urine - most noticeable in enclosed spaces like crawl spaces or attics.
If you notice any of these signs, call immediately. Rodent populations double every 21 days under ideal conditions. An early inspection prevents a minor problem from becoming a major infestation.
Our Rodent Control Process
-
Full Property Inspection
A licensed technician inspects the attic, crawl space, exterior foundation, roof line, and all interior rooms. We identify the rodent species, the entry points they are using, and the extent of the infestation. The inspection takes 2–4 hours for an average Kent home. You receive a written report with findings. -
Trap-Based Interior Elimination
We place snap traps and tamper-resistant traps in attics, crawl spaces, wall void access points, and along active runways. We prefer trap-based methods because they allow us to confirm elimination and avoid dead rodents decomposing inside walls. Trap checks happen within 5–7 days of placement. -
Exterior Bait Station Installation
Where trap-based elimination alone is not enough, we install tamper-resistant exterior bait stations along the foundation perimeter. These are locked, childproof, and pet-resistant. We service and maintain them on a scheduled basis. -
Permanent Entry Point Exclusion
Once the interior population is eliminated, we seal every entry point with galvanized steel mesh, expanding metal foam, or caulk depending on the gap location and size. Rodents can enter through gaps as small as a quarter-inch. We seal utility penetrations, foundation vents, sill plate gaps, roof line openings, and crawl space access points. -
Follow-Up and Monitoring
We return for follow-up visits to confirm elimination and check that all sealed entry points remain intact. Quarterly monitoring is available for properties with ongoing rodent pressure from surrounding green belt and natural areas.
Rodent Exclusion - Permanent Solutions, Not Temporary Fixes
Most pest control companies treat the symptom - they kill the rodents inside but leave the entry points open. Rodents return. Guardian Pest Control closes the entry points permanently. Exclusion is the only way to achieve lasting rodent control in Kent homes.
We use exclusion methods recommended by WSU Extension for Pacific Northwest rodent control. Galvanized steel mesh is the most durable material for blocking entry points in Kent’s wet climate - unlike foam or caulk alone, steel mesh resists gnawing and weathering.
Every entry point we seal with permanent materials carries a lifetime warranty against re-entry through that location. If a rodent enters through a point we sealed, we return at no charge to inspect and re-treat. This is the standard no national chain offers.
Rodent Species in Kent, WA
Norway Rats
Norway rats are burrowers. They nest in crawl spaces, beneath concrete slabs, and in heavy vegetation. They enter homes through foundation gaps, utility penetrations, and floor drains. Norway rats are common in Kent’s older residential areas and near food storage facilities. See our dedicated rat control page for Norway vs roof rat identification and exclusion strategies.
Roof Rats
Roof rats are climbers. They access homes through tree limbs, roof lines, and upper-storey openings. They nest in attics and upper wall voids. Roof rats are active in Kent’s areas with mature tree canopy - particularly near the Soos Creek corridor.
House Mice
House mice enter through gaps as small as 6mm. They breed year-round and establish nests inside walls, in kitchen cabinets, and behind appliances. A single pair can produce 50–60 offspring per year. Mice contaminate food and gnaw through wiring - the EPA identifies rodent gnawing as a leading cause of electrical fires in US homes. Full treatment and exclusion detail on our mouse control page.
Rodent Control FAQ
How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rat droppings are 10–15mm (about the size of a raisin). Mouse droppings are 3–5mm (smaller than a grain of rice). Rats tend to follow the same pathways and leave greasy rub marks. Mice explore more widely. Our technician will confirm the species during the inspection and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Do you use poison bait?
Our primary method is trap-based elimination. We use exterior tamper-resistant bait stations in cases where trap-based methods alone are not sufficient. We avoid interior poison use in homes with children, pets, or accessible crawl spaces.
What does the lifetime warranty cover?
The warranty covers all entry points we seal with permanent materials. If a rodent re-enters through a location we sealed, we return at no charge to inspect and re-treat.
How long does the full rodent control process take?
The inspection and initial treatment takes 2–4 hours. Full elimination of an active population typically takes 2–4 weeks including follow-up trap checks. Exclusion work follows once we confirm the interior population is eliminated.
Service Area - Rodent Control in South King County
Guardian Pest Control provides rodent inspection, elimination, and exclusion services across Kent, Auburn, Renton, Covington, Maple Valley, Federal Way, Burien, SeaTac, and surrounding South King County communities.
What Our Customers Say
★★★★★
“Norway rats had been getting into our garage through a gap under the side door. Guardian identified every entry point, sealed them with galvanised mesh, and set tamper-resistant stations on the perimeter. No activity in four months.”
★★★★★
“Mice in the kitchen walls. Guardian used snap traps - no interior poison, which was important to us with kids in the house. They also found and sealed the entry gap behind the dishwasher. Problem was gone in about a week.”
★★★★★
“We had a rodent pressure issue in our storage facility near the Green River. Guardian set up a full monitoring station programme, check it quarterly, and give us documentation every visit. No active infestations since they took over.”