When you think of pest problems in Northern Michigan, you might picture squirrels, raccoons, or bats—but rats are an equally serious threat that should never be ignored. These rodents are more than just a nuisance. Rats can spread disease, cause structural damage, and multiply quickly if left unchecked.
At Critter Control of Traverse City, we help homeowners throughout Northern Michigan identify, remove, and prevent rat infestations using safe, effective, and humane methods. If you suspect rats are in or around your home, it’s essential to take action right away.
Why Rats Are a Major Problem in Michigan Homes
Rats are incredibly adaptive and can thrive in urban, suburban, and rural environments—including neighborhoods across Traverse City and surrounding areas. While they often live outdoors, they’ll move inside when food is scarce or temperatures drop.
Here’s why rats pose a serious risk to your home and health:
Health Hazards
Rats are known carriers of several dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans through droppings, urine, bites, or contaminated food. These include:
Even indirect exposure—such as inhaling dust from dried droppings—can be a health risk. For families with children, pets, or immunocompromised individuals, a rat infestation can quickly become a medical concern.
Structural Damage
Rats have strong teeth that never stop growing, which means they chew constantly. Inside your home, this can lead to:
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Gnawed electrical wires (a leading cause of house fires)
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Damaged insulation, wood beams, and drywall
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Contaminated food supplies in pantries and cabinets
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Destroyed storage boxes, furniture, and belongings in attics or basements
Over time, this damage can be costly and even threaten the integrity of your home.
Rapid Reproduction
Rats breed quickly—one female can produce up to 6 litters a year, with each litter containing 6 to 12 pups. That means a small problem can grow into a full-blown infestation in just a few months. The sooner you address the issue, the easier it is to contain.
Hard to Detect
Rats are nocturnal and often avoid direct contact with humans. You may not see them, but they could still be active in your attic, crawl space, or walls. Common signs include:
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Scratching or scampering sounds at night
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Droppings (small, dark, pellet-shaped) along baseboards or in cabinets
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Gnaw marks on food packaging or wires
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Greasy rub marks on walls or floors
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Unusual pet behavior (dogs and cats often notice rats first)
How to Get Rid of Rats – The Right Way
DIY rat control often fails to get to the root of the problem. Store-bought traps and poison may eliminate a few individuals but won’t address the nest, entry points, or long-term risk. That’s where professional intervention makes all the difference.
Here’s how Critter Control of Traverse City handles rat infestations:
Comprehensive Home Inspection
Our trained technicians start with a full property inspection—inside and out. We identify where rats are nesting, how they’re getting in, and the conditions that attracted them in the first place.
Safe and Effective Removal
We use industry-approved traps and control methods tailored to your specific infestation. Our team is trained in humane wildlife practices and follows all Michigan regulations for pest control.
Exclusion and Repairs
Once rats are removed, we seal all potential entry points—cracks, vents, utility gaps, and more—using rodent-proof materials that withstand Traverse City’s changing seasons. This is a critical step to ensure rats don’t return.
Sanitation and Cleanup
Rat droppings and nesting materials are not only unsanitary—they can spread disease. We offer complete cleanup and sanitation services to restore your attic, basement, or crawl space to a safe, healthy condition.
Long-Term Prevention
We’ll help you make your home less inviting to rodents by identifying food and water sources, suggesting landscape adjustments, and providing ongoing monitoring if needed.
Rat Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Want to stay ahead of a rat problem? Here are a few practical tips you can follow year-round:
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Store food in airtight containers
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Keep pet food and birdseed sealed and off the ground
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Clean up crumbs and spills quickly, especially in the kitchen
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Seal cracks and holes around foundations, windows, and doors
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Keep firewood and debris away from the home’s exterior
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Trim shrubs and trees away from the roofline
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Use metal mesh covers on vents and utility openings
Contact Critter Control of Traverse City Today
If you’re dealing with rats or want to make sure your home is protected, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. At Critter Control of Traverse City, we offer fast, discreet, and professional service tailored to our Northern Michigan climate and housing conditions.
Our team has the tools, training, and local expertise to help you eliminate rats and keep them from coming back—for good. Protect your home and your health—trust the experts at Critter Control of Traverse City for safe, effective rat control you can count on.