Rats enter through gaps in foundations, damaged vents, and openings around pipes. They're resourceful and persistent, especially when looking for food and shelter during cooler months.

Droppings larger than a grain of rice, gnaw marks on wood or wiring, greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards, and scratching sounds at night.

Mechanical-first IPM under MDA Category 7D — snap traps, multi-catch traps, non-toxic monitoring blocks, self-resetting CO2 traps, structural exclusion, and continuous monitoring. We escalate to non-anticoagulant biopesticides (cholecalciferol) only when needed, and to second-generation anticoagulants in tamper-resistant stations only with your written consent.

We don't treat raccoons, bats, snakes, or other non-commensal wildlife — those are regulated by Maryland DNR, not MDA. For wildlife concerns we refer you to a licensed Wildlife Cooperator. Single-event mechanical rodent removal is available as an add-on at Essential or Complete; for ongoing pressure we strongly recommend Premier.

Activity reduction within 1–2 weeks of station deployment for typical residential cases. Continuous monitoring is included with Premier; Essential/Complete add-on visits are billed per visit.

We start with mechanical methods — snap traps, multi-catch traps, non-toxic monitoring blocks, and self-resetting CO2 traps — plus structural exclusion. Where mechanical alone isn't enough, we may recommend escalation to EPA-registered products with your written consent.

Our primary toolkit is botanical and mineral-based, formulated to minimize risk to your family and pets. No synthetic pyrethroid sprays. Products are either EPA 25(b) exempt (essential-oil based) or EPA-registered minimum-risk pesticides (silica gel, borate).