Rats and mice
Rat and mouse control in Bakersfield
If something is scratching overhead or your oranges are hollowed out on the tree, it may be a roof rat. Call to reach an independent company.
Calls answered early morning to late evening
Roof rats in Kern County
The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District calls the roof rat the major problem species in the urban areas of Kern County. They climb well, and use utility lines and fences as roads through a neighborhood.
They feed on backyard oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes and nuts, and on pet food and bird seed. They nest in overgrown ivy, stacked lumber and firewood, untrimmed palms and yucca. UC IPM adds that they favor attics, wall voids and cabinets once indoors.
How to recognize rats and mice
- Oranges hollowed out through a small hole, with the rind left hanging on the tree.
- Droppings near food, pet bowls or storage.
- Scratching in the ceiling or walls after dark.
- Fresh gnaw marks on wood, wiring or food packets.
- A musky smell or a nest of shredded paper, which points to house mice. A mouse can get through an opening of 1/4 inch.
What a rodent visit usually involves
Someone inspects the roofline, vents, garage and yard to find how the animals get in, then sets out a plan for trapping or baiting and for closing the openings. Trapping without sealing tends to bring the same problem back.
Ask whether sealing is included, who checks and removes traps, and how many visits to expect. If you have pets or young children at home, say so and ask how bait stations are placed.
Prevention around the yard
- Pick ripe fruit and clear what falls.
- Trim ivy, palms and branches back from the roof and fences.
- Store pet food in a metal can if it stays outside.
- Stack firewood and lumber off the ground and away from walls.
- Close small gaps with wire screen or coarse steel wool.
Seeing something now? Make the call.
Say what you found, where you found it, and your ZIP. The company on the line can tell you how it would handle the job and what a visit involves.
Calls answered early morning to late evening. Calls may be recorded. Referral disclosure