Rats Treatment
Across the Front Range.
Norway rats in alleys and basements; roof rats in attics and garages.
Rats are bigger, bolder, and more destructive than mice. Norway rats burrow under foundations and live in basements and crawlspaces; roof rats climb into attics and garages from trees and overhead utilities.
They contaminate food, gnaw through wiring, and carry leptospirosis and salmonella. EPC handles trapping, exclusion, and burrow elimination — plus structural repair where rats have already chewed through siding, soffits, or trim.
About Rats
Norway rats are 7–10 inches plus tail, blunt-nosed, brown, and prefer ground-level harborage. Roof rats are 6–8 inches plus a longer tail, sleeker, dark gray to black, and prefer elevated nesting. Both produce 5–6 litters per year of 7–10 pups. They live 1–2 years in the wild but breed continuously.
Signs You Have Rats
- Larger droppings (3/4 inch capsule-shaped, vs. mouse 1/4 inch)
- Burrows in yard, near foundation, under decks or sheds (Norway rats)
- Gnaw marks on wood, vinyl siding, plumbing pipes, electrical conduit
- Smudge marks where rats squeeze through repeatedly
- Scratching, scurrying in walls, ceilings, or attic (roof rats)
- Pet food disappearing overnight
- Greasy trails along fences, beams, or ledges (roof rats follow scent paths)
How EPC Treats Rats
Heavy-Duty Trap System
Rat-rated snap traps and multi-catch stations placed at burrow openings and along established travel paths. Larger trap force factor than mouse traps.
Burrow Elimination
We treat and seal active burrows — fumigant-grade treatments in Norway rat tunnels, then physical exclusion to prevent new burrowing.
Climbing-Path Exclusion
For roof rats: trim back overhanging tree branches, install metal flashing on power line entry points, and seal soffit, fascia, and roof-line gaps.
Tamper-Resistant Bait Stations
When trapping isn't enough — perimeter EPA-registered bait stations locked and anchored. Used selectively where regulations allow.
How to Prevent Rats
- Trim trees so no branches come within 6 feet of the roof
- Remove ivy, dense vines, and brush piles that harbor rats against the foundation
- Cap unused chimneys and seal soffit/fascia gaps
- Keep trash in heavy-duty bins with tight-fitting lids
- Pick up fallen fruit and bird seed daily; store pet food in metal containers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rats actually in Denver?
Yes — both Norway and roof rats are well-established along the Front Range. Roof rat populations have been growing rapidly in mature neighborhoods with fruit trees and dense foliage.
How do I know if I have rats vs. mice?
Droppings size is the easiest tell — capsule-shaped droppings 3/4 inch long are rats; rod-shaped 1/4 inch are mice. Sounds in the attic at night strongly suggest roof rats.
How dangerous are rats?
They carry leptospirosis (fatal if untreated), salmonella, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever. They also chew through electrical wiring — a leading cause of unexplained house fires.
Why don't store-bought rat traps work?
Rats are larger and stronger than the prey most consumer traps are rated for. Plus, rats are highly trap-shy after a near-miss. Pro-grade traps placed correctly catch rats consumer traps don't.
Areas We Treat Rats
EPC handles rats calls across the entire Denver metro. Click your city for local detail:
Related Pests
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