Rats are larger, more cautious, and harder to control than mice. They often nest outdoors — in burrows, under decks, in compost, or in cluttered exterior spaces — and travel into homes and businesses to feed. A successful rat control plan combines treatment with sealing the openings that let them in, and addressing the food and shelter sources that brought them to the property in the first place.
Common Rat Species in Our Region
Two rat species are most commonly seen in homes and businesses across our service area:
Roof rats / black rats — agile climbers that often access attics, upper soffits, and roof gaps. Frequently found in trees, shrubs, and the upper parts of buildings.
Norway rats / brown rats — heavier-bodied burrowing rats that prefer ground level, basements, crawlspaces, and exterior dens near decks, sheds, compost, and foundations.
The species matters because where they nest and how they travel changes which entry points and trap placements actually work.
Signs of a Rat Problem
Larger droppings (typically about a half-inch long)
Greasy rub marks along walls, beams, or pipes
Burrows or holes near foundations, sheds, or decks
Gnawed wood, plastic, or wiring
Rats spotted at dusk or at night near garbage or food sources
Tunnels or runs through long grass or under landscaping
Disturbed compost or chewed garbage bags
Damaged crawlspace vent screens
Dogs or cats reacting to activity behind a wall or in a basement
How Apollo Handles Rat Control
Rat control typically includes:
Inspection of indoor activity, exterior activity, and likely entry points
Identification of the species — roof rats and Norway rats are treated differently
A trapping plan placed along actual rat travel routes
Tamper-resistant bait stations where appropriate to the situation
Recommendations to seal openings larger than about half an inch
Advice on managing garbage, compost, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
Follow-up visits when needed to confirm activity has stopped
Where children, pets, or wildlife are part of the equation, control methods are selected to manage that risk.
Common Rat Entry Points to Check
Foundation cracks or gaps
Damaged crawlspace vent screens
Gaps under garage doors
Pipe and utility line penetrations
Roof and soffit gaps where rooflines meet
Damaged siding or trim
Gaps around dryer and stove vents
Outdoor stair risers or porch crawlspaces
Why Rats Choose Some Properties Over Others
Rats are not random. They settle where food, water, and shelter overlap — and they will keep returning to a property that offers those, even after trapping. Properties most likely to have ongoing rat issues usually have one or more of:
An open or damaged compost bin
Garbage that isn't fully sealed between collection days
Fruit trees with fruit left on the ground
Bird feeders that spill seed
Pet food left outdoors
Heavy vegetation right against the building
Wood piles or stored materials within a few feet of the foundation
Neighbouring properties with active rat issues
Rat Control for Garages, Crawlspaces and Sheds
Garages, crawlspaces and sheds are some of the most common rat harbourage areas — they're warm, sheltered, full of clutter, and often have weak entry points. We'll inspect these areas as part of a rat control visit and recommend changes that don't require gutting the space.
