Comprehensive Rat & Mice Control by 1st Pest Control

Every property is unique. We develop a tailored plan to address your specific rodent issue, ensuring long-term results.

We go beyond elimination by providing expert advice and implementing preventative strategies to keep rats and mice from returning.

We understand the need for privacy and conduct our services with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

In Greater Vancouver, homeowners and businesses most commonly encounter a few key types of rats and mice. Understanding their characteristics and habits can help you identify an infestation early and appreciate the need for professional intervention from 1st Pest Control.

Appearance: These are large, heavy-bodied rats, typically 7 to 10 inches long in body length, with a scaly tail that is shorter than their body. They have coarse brown fur with scattered black hairs and a lighter underside. Their ears are small and their snout is blunt.

Habits: Norway rats are often found outdoors in burrows along foundations, under sidewalks, and in debris piles. They are strong swimmers and can sometimes enter buildings through sewer lines or low-lying openings. Indoors, they prefer basements, ground floors, and areas with readily available food. They are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, but prefer grains, meat, and fish.

Signs of Infestation: Look for large droppings (capsule-shaped, about ¾ inch long), gnaw marks on sturdy objects, burrows near the foundation, oily rub marks along walls, and the sound of heavy scurrying.

Appearance: Roof rats are smaller and more slender than Norway rats, with a body length of 6 to 8 inches and a tail that is longer than their body. They have smooth black or dark brown fur and a pointed snout with large, prominent ears. They are agile climbers.

Habits: As their name suggests, roof rats are excellent climbers and are often found in attics, ceilings, and upper levels of buildings. They can access these areas via trees, vines, and utility lines. Outdoors, they may nest in dense vegetation. They prefer fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains.

Signs of Infestation: Look for smaller, spindle-shaped droppings (about ½ inch long), gnaw marks in higher locations, the sound of scurrying in walls and ceilings, and smudge marks along pathways they frequently use.

Appearance: House mice are small, typically 2 ½ to 3 ¾ inches long in body length, with a tail that is nearly as long as their body. They have light brown to gray fur and relatively large ears.

Habits: House mice are adaptable and can live in and around buildings. They can squeeze through incredibly small openings (as small as a dime!). They are often found nesting in walls, cabinets, and stored items. They are nocturnal and nibble on a variety of foods, preferring grains and seeds.

Signs of Infestation: Look for small, rod-shaped droppings (about ¼ inch long), gnaw marks on food packaging and furniture, small holes in walls and floors, the sound of light scurrying, and a characteristic musty odour.