Rats & Mice in Santa Clarita

Roof rats are the dominant rodent in the Santa Clarita Valley. They're excellent climbers, they travel along fence lines and tree limbs, and they get in at the roof line far more often than at ground level.

Telling rats from mice

Rat droppings are roughly the size of a raisin; mouse droppings are the size of a grain of rice. Rats are cautious of new objects and take days to approach a trap; mice are curious and will investigate immediately. The approach differs accordingly.

How they get in

Roof line gaps where stucco meets eave, unscreened attic vents, gaps around utility penetrations, garage door corners, and open sewer or drain lines. A roof rat gets through an opening the size of a quarter; a mouse needs a dime.

Why attic activity should not wait

Chewed wiring is a fire risk. Contaminated insulation loses its R-value and holds odor. And a population left alone doesn't stay the same size.