Rat Removal - Hamilton

 

Do I have rats?

In the early stages, a rat problem can be easy to miss. The animals stay close to tight gaps and dark corners, then slowly move into new rooms as they discover food sources and safe nesting pockets. Watch for:

• Fresh gnaw marks on baseboards, stored items, or exposed wood where rats have started to chew their way through.
• Small holes or hidden gaps near pipes, vents, or utility lines that appear to have been enlarged.
• Pathways along the foundation or garden that look like narrow runways pressed into soil or mulch.
• Noises at night inside walls, ceilings, or under floors, often described as shuffling or scratching.
• Greasy rub marks where animals have brushed against surfaces while following the same routes.
• Strong odours from urine, droppings, or a dead rat trapped inside a cavity.
• Signs that stored food or pet dishes have been disturbed, scattered, or soiled.
  

These warning signs suggest an active infestation that will not go away on its own. 

 

What are some of the diseases rats carry?

Rats are known to transmit several forms of disease that can affect humans and pets through contact with droppings, urine, or nesting material. 

Some of the serious illnesses linked to rats include:

• Leptospirosis
• Tularemia
• Salmonella
• Hantavirus
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)

These illnesses can create breathing issues, fever, and digestive problems, and they can be especially dangerous for people with existing health concerns. 

 

How Can SWAT Wildlife Help?

Rat Control Tactics & Strategies

Many people attempt to handle a rat infestation with basic traps or baits from the hardware store. These tools may catch a few individuals but rarely address the full network of pathways inside a building. Without sealing and structured follow up, the problem can return quickly. 

Relying only on poison to eliminate rats can also introduce new problems. When poisoned rats die between joists or in duct cavities, they create strong odours that linger. There is also a risk to curious pets and children if they reach unsecured bait. 

 

Our Rat Removal Process

We start with an inspection to learn where rats are nesting and how they’re getting in. Once those points are mapped out, we seal those up with materials that hold up to weather and wear, then place the traps that make the most sense for the situation. Sometimes that’s a straightforward snap trap. Other times, a bait station is the better tool. We don’t rely on one method; we adapt our approach to your property.

If there’s already been damage from a large infestation, or a dead rat on-site, we deal with that as part of the job. Leaving anything behind only invites new problems. The goal is to stop the current rodent activity and cut off the opportunities that would allow it to start again.

Clients receive a written warranty once the work is complete. It’s a simple promise that we stand by the job and will return if something wasn’t addressed properly.

 

What is the difference between a rat and a mouse?

It is easy to confuse rats with mice, especially when you only catch a glimpse in poor light. Understanding which species you are dealing with helps us choose the right tools and set them Some of the key differences:

• Rats are larger, with thicker bodies and long tails that often appear scaly.
• Mice tend to be smaller with proportionally larger ears and finer features.
• Rat droppings are bigger and more capsule shaped than mouse droppings.

In and around Hamilton, the most common species are the Norway rat and the roof rat. The Norway variety usually prefers lower levels and burrows, while roof rats are more likely to explore upper floors and soffits. Either species can climb, squeeze, and push into weak points around the building.

Because rats and mice behave differently, SWAT Wildlife adjusts control strategies to suit the pests inside your building. We also watch for mixed activity, since both types of animals sometimes use similar areas.

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with rats or house mice, SWAT Wildlife also offers expert mice removal for full-spectrum pest control services.

 

What information can I give a rat exterminator?

When you reach out for help, any detail you can share helps our team plan more precisely. Clear information speeds up the process and makes every visit more efficient.

 

Where?

Think about the places in your property where you notice the most activity. This might include rooms where you hear night sounds, corners with odours or stain, and areas where stored goods look disturbed or damaged. Be sure to also check and mention garages, crawlspaces, utility rooms, and storage lofts if you suspect movement there. These zones often give rats quiet shelter and direct access to food sources.

 

When?

Consider how long you believe the issue has been present. Have you noticed marks on wires, new gaps around pipes, or torn insulation for several months, or did signs appear only recently? If you have tried to deal with the situation on your own, let us know which products or tools you used. 

This kind of information helps us adjust the plan and avoid repeating steps that did not work.