Rodent Control (Mice/Rats)
How We Can Help When the rodents come out at night!
🐀 Rodent Control & Identification
Identify, Prevent, and Eliminate Rodents Before They Take Over Rodents are among the most common and destructive pests found in homes and businesses across South Carolina. They spread disease, damage wiring, and contaminate food. This guide from Lamp’s Pest Solutions helps you identify the three most common rodent species in Lexington — the House Mouse, Roof Rat, and Norway Rat — and shows how to protect your property effectively.
Common Rodents Found Indoors
Species | Size | Habitat | Key Signs | Risk Level |
House Mouse | 2.5–4 in | Kitchens, attics, basements | Droppings, scratching, gnawed food | High |
Roof Rat | 6–8 in | Attics, rafters, upper floors | Noises in ceilings, nesting debris | Very High |
Norway Rat | 7–9 in | Burrows, basements, crawl spaces | Ground holes, greasy rub marks | Extreme |
💡 Tip: If you’ve seen even one rodent, there are likely more hiding nearby. Rodents breed rapidly, so early action saves money and stress.
🐁 House Mouse
Small Pest, Big Problem House mice reproduce quickly and can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. They prefer indoor warmth and easy access to food. Mice contaminate food supplies and can chew through wires, creating serious fire hazards.
House Mouse Quick Facts
Attribute | Details |
Scientific Name | Mus musculus |
Average Size | 2.5–4 in (body), 3–4 in (tail) |
Color | Light brown to gray |
Lifespan | 9–12 months |
Diet | Grains, seeds, crumbs, pet food |
Activity | Nocturnal |
Entry Points | Door gaps, wall cracks, utility lines |
Health Risks | Salmonella, Hantavirus |
Control | Snap traps, exclusion, sanitation, professional removal |
What to Look For: Small black droppings, gnawed packaging, and scratching in walls or ceilings.
Act Fast: One female mouse can produce up to 35 offspring per year.
🧠 FAQs: House Mouse
Q: How do I know if I have house mice? A: Look for droppings, shredded paper nests, and scratching sounds at night.
Q: How do I get rid of house mice? A: Seal all small openings, store food securely, and contact Lamp’s Pest Solutions for expert exclusion.
Q: Are house mice dangerous? A: Yes, they can spread diseases like Hantavirus and Salmonella through droppings and urine.
🐀 Roof Rat
Agile Climbers and Night InvadersAlso known as black rats, roof rats prefer high places and are expert climbers. They often infest attics, rafters, and upper floors, especially in warmer climates like South Carolina’s Midlands.
Roof Rat Quick Facts
Attribute | Details |
Scientific Name | Rattus rattus |
Average Size | 6–8 in (body), 7–10 in (tail) |
Color | Black or dark brown |
Lifespan | 9–12 months |
Diet | Fruits, nuts, grains, insects |
Activity | Nocturnal |
Entry Points | Roof vents, soffits, power lines |
Health Risks | Leptospirosis, rat-bite fever |
Control | Roof exclusion, trimming vegetation, attic cleanup |
What to Look For: Scratching in ceilings, nests made of shredded insulation, or gnawed fruit and nuts.
Pro Tip: Roof rats are great jumpers—keep tree limbs trimmed 3 feet from your roofline.
🧠 FAQs: Roof Rat
Q: How can I tell if I have roof rats?A: Listen for nighttime noises in the attic and look for droppings or chewed fruit.
Q: How do roof rats get into homes?A: They climb trees, cables, and rooflines to enter through vents or gaps.
Q: What’s the best way to remove roof rats?A: Schedule a professional inspection with Lamp’s Pest Solutions for safe, attic-specific treatment.
🐹 Norway Rat
The Burrowing Destroyer
Norway rats are large and powerful burrowers. They build nests underground, in basements, or under concrete slabs. These rats are notorious for chewing through wood, wires, and even soft metals, causing major property damage.
Norway Rat Quick Facts
Attribute | Details |
Scientific Name | Rattus norvegicus |
Average Size | 7–9.5 in (body), 6–8 in (tail) |
Color | Brown or gray |
Lifespan | 12–18 months |
Diet | Garbage, grains, pet food, meat scraps |
Activity | Nocturnal, ground-dwelling |
Entry Points | Cracks in foundations, drains, crawlspaces |
Health Risks | Hantavirus, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever |
Control | Burrow treatment, baiting, exclusion, sanitation |
What to Look For: Greasy marks along walls, gnawed garbage bags, and holes in soil near foundations.Best Strategy: Combine exclusion and baiting for long-term control.
🧠 FAQs: Norway Rat
Q: What are signs of Norway rats?A: Burrows, large droppings, and gnawed baseboards or garbage.
Q: How dangerous are Norway rats?A: They can transmit multiple diseases and cause severe property damage.
Q: How do I get rid of them?A: Call Lamp’s Pest Solutions for professional baiting and burrow control.
🧩 Rodent Prevention Tips
Seal all cracks and holes larger than ¼ inch.
Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your roof and siding.
Store food and pet feed in airtight containers.
Clean kitchens and storage areas regularly.
Schedule seasonal pest inspections with Lamp’s Pest Solutions.
📞 Contact Lamp’s Pest Solutions
Don’t let rodents take over your home or business. Our licensed Lexington pest control experts will identify your problem, seal entry points, and implement effective long-term control strategies.
📍 Lamp’s Pest Solutions316 Corley StreetLexington, SC 29072
📞 Call or text: 803-414-0588🌐 Visit: www.lampspestsolutions.com
Serving Lexington, Columbia, Irmo, and surrounding South Carolina communities. Columbia , SC Pest Control
