FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about rodents, inspections, pricing and how we work.
General Questions
How much does rodent removal cost?
Every home is different, so we start with a free inspection. You get a clear written quote before any work begins — no surprises.
Do you offer same-day service?
Yes, in most of our service area. Call us and we'll get you on the schedule as soon as possible.
How do you keep rodents from coming back?
Removal alone doesn't fix the problem. We find and seal the entry points rodents use, which is what keeps them out long term.
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. The inspection is free and there's no obligation to book any work.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the South Bay, Peninsula and East Bay, including San Jose, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Santa Cruz and surrounding communities.
What are the signs of a rodent problem?
Noises in the attic or walls at night, droppings, gnawed wires or packaging, grease marks along beams and a musty odor are the most common signs.
Are your methods safe for pets and children?
We focus on removal and exclusion rather than spraying chemicals around your home, and we place any equipment where children and pets can't reach it. We'll explain everything before we start.
What are your hours?
We're open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Sunday.
How long does the whole process take?
Most jobs include an initial visit, follow-up visits over one to two weeks to confirm activity has stopped, and exclusion and cleanup work. Your inspection report includes a timeline.
Do you only work on homes?
We focus on residential homes, and we also help with small commercial properties. Call us to talk about your property.
Do you do general pest control?
No. RATVEX specializes in rodents only — rats and mice. That focus is what lets us do removal, exclusion and restoration right.
Rat Removal
How long does rat removal take?
Most homes need an initial visit plus follow-up visits over one to two weeks to confirm all activity has stopped. Your inspection report includes a timeline for your home.
Will rats come back after removal?
Not if the entry points are sealed. That's why every RATVEX job includes exclusion work, not just removal.
Do I need to leave my home?
No. Removal and exclusion work is done without you needing to leave.
Mice Removal
Are deer mice dangerous?
Deer mice can carry hantavirus, which spreads through droppings, urine and nesting material. Don't sweep or vacuum droppings yourself — let a professional clean them up safely.
How do mice get inside?
Through gaps around pipes, vents, garage doors, utility lines and foundation cracks. Many entry points are smaller than you'd expect.
Can I just set traps myself?
Traps can catch a few mice, but without sealing the entry points new mice keep coming in. Exclusion is what solves the problem long term.
Rodent Exclusion
What materials do you use?
Rodent-resistant materials such as galvanized hardware cloth, metal flashing and sealants designed for exclusion — not foam alone, which rodents chew through.
Do you seal the roof?
Yes. Rooflines, roof vents, eaves and soffits are some of the most common entry points for roof rats in the Bay Area.
Is exclusion included with removal?
Yes. We include exclusion in our rodent removal work because removal without sealing doesn't last.
Attic Cleanup
Do I need attic cleanup after rodent removal?
If rodents lived in your attic, there's usually contamination left behind. We'll show you what we find during the inspection.
Is it safe to clean the attic myself?
Rodent droppings can carry disease. We recommend professional cleanup with proper protective equipment.
How long does attic cleanup take?
Most attic cleanups take one to two days, depending on the size of the attic and the level of contamination.
Crawl Space Cleanup
Why does my crawl space smell?
Rodent urine, droppings and dead rodents are common causes of odors coming up from a crawl space.
Do you replace vent screens?
Yes. Damaged foundation vent screens are replaced with sturdy, rodent-proof screens.
Can you replace under-floor insulation?
Yes. If insulation under the floor is damaged or contaminated, we can remove and replace it.
Insulation Replacement
Do I need to replace all the insulation?
Not always. If contamination is limited to one area, partial replacement may be enough. We'll show you what we find.
What type of insulation do you install?
We'll recommend the right option for your attic during the inspection and list it clearly in your quote.
Will new insulation lower my energy bills?
Replacing damaged insulation restores its ability to insulate, which can help keep your home more comfortable year-round.
Rodents Won't Leave on Their Own.
Call now for fast, professional help — or request your free inspection online.