Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383
Getting rid of rats can be frustrating because rats are smart, fast breeders, and excellent at finding food and shelter. The proven strategy is simple, but not always easy: sanitize, rat-proof, then remove the existing rats.
We provide statewide Virginia rat control and rodent pest control for homes, businesses, farms, and commercial buildings.
First: Confirm You Actually Have Rats
Rats are often mistaken for mice or squirrels. Signs that strongly suggest rats include:
- Droppings (larger than mouse droppings)
- Noises in walls/ceilings: scratching, scurrying, gnawing
- Chewed holes in plastic, wood, or food bags
- Grease/rub marks along baseboards or entry points
- Burrows outside near foundations, sheds, or HVAC pads
- Strong ammonia-like odor (heavy activity)
If you are not sure whether you have rats or mice, see Mouse Control in Virginia.
The 3-Step Rat Control Plan That Works
Step 1) Sanitation: Remove food and water
Rats stay where food is easy.
Do these first:
- Store pet food, birdseed, and livestock feed in sealed containers
- Clean up spilled seed under feeders or move feeders away from structures
- Secure trash lids and remove food waste quickly
- Pick up fallen fruit and keep compost secured
- Fix dripping spigots and water sources
Step 2) Rat-proofing: Seal entry points (critical)
A small opening is enough for a rat to get inside.
Common entry points to fix:
- Gaps around pipes, cable lines, and AC penetrations
- Crawlspace vents and doors
- Garage door corners and weather stripping
- Gaps under siding, fascia, and roofline returns
- Broken or missing vent covers
Best practice: seal with rodent-proof materials (not foam alone).
For long-term structural sealing, see Virginia Animal Exclusion & Damage Repairs.
Step 3) Eliminate the current rats
This is the hard part. Effective control usually requires:
- Strategic trapping or baiting, based on the site
- Correct placement (travel routes, wall edges, attic runs)
- Follow-up checks and adjustments
- Removing attractants so new rats don’t replace the old ones
Roof Rats vs Norway Rats (Why It Matters)
Virginia typically sees two main rat types:
- Roof rats: more likely to use higher areas (attics, rooflines) and climb well
- Norway rats: more likely to burrow and stay near ground level (crawlspaces, basements, lower walls)
Correct identification helps determine:
- Where to inspect
- Where to place controls
- How to seal entry points
Common Places We Find Rats in Virginia Homes
- Attics and attic insulation
- Crawlspaces and duct runs
- Garages and sheds
- Wall voids and kitchen areas
- Around animal feed storage (barns, tack rooms, outbuildings)
- Near dumpsters and loading areas (commercial)
If insulation is contaminated, see Attic Insulation Removal & Replacement.
What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes)
Don’t rely on ultrasonic devices or mothballs
These are not reliable rat solutions.
Don’t leave bait/poison use to guesswork
Rodenticide use must be done carefully and legally to avoid:
- Non-target exposure (pets and wildlife)
- Dead rats in walls creating odor
- Re-infestation because entry points weren’t sealed
Don’t skip exclusion
If you remove rats but don’t rat-proof the structure, the problem usually returns.
When to Call a Professional Rat Control Company
Call for professional help if:
- You hear rats in walls/attic nightly
- There are droppings in multiple rooms
- You suspect rats in insulation or ductwork
- You have repeat infestations
- You need a full exclusion plan (most long-term fixes do)
Our wildlife control and pest control technicians provide rat removal, rat control, exclusion, and cleanup guidance statewide throughout most of Virginia.
For health-risk information, see Rat Diseases in Virginia.
FAQ: How to Get Rid of Rats in Virginia
Rats reproduce quickly, so early action matters. If you wait, a small problem can turn into a major infestation.
Start with sanitation and sealing entry points, then eliminate the existing rats with a plan that matches where they’re active.
Most repellents are inconsistent. The most reliable fix is exclusion + elimination + sanitation.
Usually because entry points were never sealed, food is still available, or the control plan didn’t address the full activity area.
Yes. We provide rat control, rodent exclusion, and pest control services statewide throughout most of Virginia.
Service Area: Statewide Virginia
We provide service across the Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Tidewater / Hampton Roads, and the Shenandoah Valley / Southwest Virginia regions.
For the full list of the cities, counties and towns where we provide service, visit:
If you don’t see your city listed, contact us—we often serve nearby areas and can confirm availability quickly.
Contact Us for Rat Control in Virginia
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Contact Us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383