Rodent Control

Hearing scratching or finding droppings? Exo Pest Solutions provides rodent control for homes and businesses in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda counties.

Common rodents in California

House mice, roof rats and Norway rats are common around buildings. Here is what to look for.

House mice

Small, gray or light brown, with large ears and a pointed nose. Mostly active at night, they often nest behind appliances, inside walls or near stored food. Mice can squeeze under gaps just 1/4 inch tall.

Roof rats

Slender rats with large ears and tails longer than their head and body combined. Strong climbers, they often nest in attics, ceiling spaces, trees and thick vegetation.

Norway rats

Stocky, brownish rats with blunt noses and shorter tails. They often burrow near foundations and nest in crawlspaces or basements, although they can also climb.

Signs to watch for

• Droppings near food, cupboards or storage areas.
• Chewed packaging, wood or wiring.
• Dark rub marks along walls or pipes.
• Scratching or scurrying, especially at night.
• Shredded nesting material or burrows.

Why rodent problems need attention

Rodents can contaminate food, spread disease and damage insulation or plumbing. Chewed electrical wiring can create a fire risk.

Keep children and pets away. Do not handle rodents or disturb droppings without safe cleanup guidance. Contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned about exposure.

Help keep rodents out

1. Seal entry points. Use durable, gnaw-resistant materials around gaps. Foam alone is not a lasting barrier; keep required ventilation clear.
2. Secure food and rubbish. Use tight-fitting lids, protect pet food, collect fallen fruit and fix leaks.
3. Reduce outdoor shelter. Clear thick vegetation and trim branches away from roofs. Leave unsafe pruning and work near utility lines to qualified professionals.
4. Address active rodents. Prevention alone does not remove rodents already inside. Keep traps and pesticides away from children and pets, and follow product labels.

Rodent control addresses current activity. Exclusion seals entry points. Each property needs its own quote to confirm the work included; no single measure guarantees rodents will never return.

Identification and prevention references: University of California IPM: Rats and House Mouse. Sources checked October 18, 2026.