Roof Rat Removal in Pasadena, CA

Hearing scurrying in your attic at night? Finding spindle-shaped droppings in your home? Pasadena’s historic neighborhoods with mature trees and older homes create perfect conditions for roof rats (also called black rats or tree rats). Armed Exterminators specializes in complete roof rat elimination with proven methods that keep them from returning.

Why Pasadena Has Roof Rat Problems

Pasadena’s environment is ideal for roof rat infestations:

Historic homes with accessible attics and original construction gaps
Mature tree canopy provides highways between properties
Mediterranean climate allows year-round breeding
Abundant food sources from fruit trees and bird feeders
Dense neighborhoods enable rats to spread house to house

Signs of Roof Rat Infestation

Visual Evidence

Spindle-shaped droppings about 1/2 inch long with pointed ends
Gnaw marks on wood, wires, and stored items
Grease marks along walls from their oily fur
Nests made from shredded insulation, paper, or fabric
Actual sightings of sleek, dark rats with long tails

Audio Clues

Scratching sounds in walls and ceilings at night
Running noises across the attic floor after dark
Gnawing sounds as they chew to keep teeth sharp
Squeaking communication between rats

Our Professional Roof Rat Removal Process

1. Comprehensive Inspection

Map all entry points (gaps as small as 1/2 inch)
Locate nesting areas in attics and wall voids
Assess population size and activity patterns
Document damage for insurance purposes
Identify attractants and food sources

2. Strategic Elimination

Tamper-resistant bait stations placed strategically
Snap traps in secure locations for quick removal
Tracking powder in hard-to-reach areas
One-way exclusion valves for humane eviction
Population monitoring to ensure complete removal

3. Exclusion & Rat-Proofing

Seal all entry points with steel wool and hardware cloth
Install metal flashing around roof edges
Screen vents with heavy-gauge wire mesh
Trim tree branches 4+ feet from rooflines
Repair damaged soffits and fascia boards

4. Attic Restoration

Remove contaminated insulation
Disinfect and deodorize affected areas
Install new insulation if needed
Repair gnawed wires (coordinate with electrician)
Clean up droppings and nesting materials

Health Risks from Roof Rats

Disease Transmission

Hantavirus through dried droppings dust
Leptospirosis from urine contamination
Salmonellosis from feces
Plague (rare but possible via fleas)
Rat-bite fever from bites or scratches

Property Damage

Fire hazards from chewed electrical wiring
Water damage from gnawed pipes
Insulation destruction reducing energy efficiency
Contamination of stored items
Structural damage to wood beams

Pasadena-Specific Roof Rat Challenges

High-Risk Neighborhoods

Bungalow Heaven - older attics with original construction
Madison Heights - mature fruit trees and dense housing
Linda Vista - tree-lined streets create rat highways
Old Pasadena - commercial food sources and older buildings
San Rafael Hills - natural areas meet residential zones

Seasonal Activity

Spring: Peak breeding season, 5-10 pups per litter
Summer: Young rats mature and seek new territories
Fall: Increased activity as they prepare for winter
Winter: Move indoors seeking warmth and shelter

Prevention Strategies for Pasadena Homes

Eliminate food sources - secure pet food and bird seed
Harvest fruit promptly - don’t let oranges or avocados rot
Maintain trees - trim branches away from structures
Seal gaps - check where utilities enter the home
Remove water sources - fix leaky faucets and pet bowls
Organize storage - use sealed plastic bins, not cardboard
Regular inspections - check attic quarterly for signs

Why Professional Removal is Critical

Expertise matters - roof rats are intelligent and trap-shy
Complete elimination - missing one pregnant female restarts infestation
Safety first - avoid disease exposure and falls from attics
Legal compliance - proper use of rodenticides in California
Guaranteed results - professionals ensure long-term success

Service Areas

We provide expert roof rat removal throughout:

All Pasadena neighborhoods and ZIP codes
Altadena and unincorporated areas
South Pasadena
San Marino
Eagle Rock and Highland Park

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called “roof rats”?

They earned this name because they prefer elevated areas - trees, power lines, and especially roofs and attics. Unlike Norway rats that burrow, roof rats are excellent climbers and live above ground, often entering homes through the roofline.

How do I know if I have roof rats vs. mice?

Roof rats are much larger (6-8 inches body length plus a 7-9 inch tail), leave bigger droppings (1/2 inch), and make louder noises. Mice droppings are rice-sized and their sounds are lighter. In Pasadena attics, it’s usually roof rats.

Can I get rid of roof rats myself?

While DIY traps might catch a few, roof rats are cautious and breed rapidly (up to 40 offspring per year per female). Complete elimination requires professional knowledge of behavior, proper bait placement, and thorough exclusion work.

Are roof rats dangerous?

Yes - they spread diseases through droppings and urine, contaminate food, and their gnawing creates fire hazards. A UCLA study found 34% of “unexplained” house fires were rodent-related. Professional removal protects your health and property.

How quickly do rats multiply?

Extremely fast - females can have 4-6 litters per year with 5-10 pups each. A pair of rats can become 1,250 in one year under ideal conditions. This is why swift, complete removal is essential.

Don’t let roof rats destroy your attic or endanger your family.

Call (626) 256-3200 for expert roof rat removal in Pasadena.

Complete Elimination • Attic Restoration • Guaranteed Results

“Finally quiet nights! Armed found how the rats were getting in, removed them all, and sealed everything. Worth every penny for the peace of mind.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— John T., Bungalow Heaven