You’re standing in the kitchen, maybe late at night, grabbing a snack—and you hear it. A faint scuffle. A scratch. You freeze, heart skipping, and think: Please let that be the fridge making noise. But deep down, you know. Something’s not right.

If you’ve ever opened your pantry and found gnawed cereal boxes, mysterious droppings, or that unsettling musky smell, chances are you’re not alone in your home. And if you’re in the Bay Area, you’re not imagining it—rodent issues are a year-round battle here.

So, let’s talk straight: You’ve probably got rats. Or mice. Or both. And it’s not just gross—it’s a problem you need to deal with, fast and smart.

The Real-Life Bay Area Rodent Problem

Living in Richmond, Union City, Oakland, or anywhere across the East Bay, you’ve likely noticed that rodent problems seem worse in recent years. You’re not imagining that either.

Warmer winters, tighter housing, more construction—rats are being squeezed out of old hiding spots and into new ones, which often means your attic, crawlspace, or yes, your pantry.

And these critters aren’t just freeloading roommates. Rats can chew through wires, damage insulation, and carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. Mice? Just as bad, and sneakier.

But How Do You Know It’s Rodents?

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s how to tell if you’ve got an issue:

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets near food, under sinks, or along baseboards.

• Gnaw Marks: Chewed packaging, wiring, or even wooden furniture.

• Grease Trails: Oily marks along walls where rats and mice squeeze through.

• Noises at Night: Scratching in the walls or ceilings.

• Musky Odor: Rodents leave a distinct, sharp smell behind.

And here’s the kicker: if you see one rat, there are likely more. These aren’t solo wanderers—they nest, breed, and multiply fast.

Story From the Field: The “Friendly” Mouse in Fremont

Last month, we got a call from a homeowner in Fremont who thought they had one little mouse in the garage. Cute, right? Not so much. When our technician got there, he found evidence of a nest under the water heater, chewed wiring near the washer, and multiple entry points around the foundation.

Turned out, they had a full-on rodent highway running under their floorboards. The kicker? The pantry was fully stocked, and those critters had been nibbling on bags of flour for weeks.

Why DIY Doesn’t Cut It

Snap traps? Maybe you get one or two. Poison baits? Risky if you have pets or kids around—and even then, they can die in walls and stink up your house for weeks. Plug-in repellents? Let’s just say we’ve pulled out plenty from homes still crawling with mice.

Rats are clever. They can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter. Mice? A dime.

You don’t just need a trap—you need a plan. That’s where we come in.

The ATCO Pest Control Difference: We Don’t Just Trap—We Solve

At ATCO, we’ve been helping Bay Area families deal with rodent issues for decades. From pest control in Richmond to Union City, we’ve seen it all—and we know what works.

Our approach isn’t about quick fixes. We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which means:

• Inspect First: We don’t guess. We inspect your property thoroughly—attics, crawlspaces, basements, garages, even the roofline.

• Seal and Exclude: We find how they’re getting in and close it up. No open buffet here.

• Trap and Monitor: We set traps strategically and check them regularly. No “set it and forget it.”

• Educate and Prevent: We help you understand what attracted them in the first place—pet food? Bird seed? Compost? We show you how to keep your home less inviting to rodents.

And we’re locals, too. We know the neighborhoods. We know which spots in Oakland get hit hardest in the rainy season, and where the rats like to move when it gets hot in San Leandro.

What You Can Do Right Now

While we handle the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do today to slow down the problem:

• Store Food in Sealed Containers: Cardboard is no match for a rat’s teeth.

• Take Out the Trash Often: Keep bins tightly closed—inside and out.

• Clean Up Pet Food: Don’t leave kibble sitting out overnight.

• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Branches touching your roof? That’s a bridge for rodents.

• Inspect for Gaps: Check under sinks, behind appliances, and along the foundation for openings.

Is It Rats or Mice?

A lot of folks ask us: How do I know which one I have? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Mice: Smaller droppings (about the size of a grain of rice), more likely to nest indoors, quieter.

• Rats: Bigger droppings, more destructive, often found in attics, basements, or walls.

Both are bad news. But they require slightly different control tactics—which is why a good inspection matters.

Areas We Service (Yes, Probably You Too)

If you’re wondering whether we cover your neighborhood, odds are we do. We handle pest control across the Bay Area, including:

• East Bay

• North Bay

• Marin County

• San Francisco

• Santa Clara County

We’re not some big national chain. We’re a local team who knows the ins and outs of homes in Berkeley, Vallejo, Santa Rosa, and beyond. Here’s our full service map.

Ready to Kick the Rats Out?

If you’ve seen signs—or even if you just have that gut feeling—don’t wait for a full-blown infestation. Rodents are fast, persistent, and not going to leave on their own.

We’re ready when you are. Reach out today for an inspection and let’s get your pantry (and peace of mind) back.

📞 Call us or send us a message.
🔍 Learn more about our rodent control program.
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FAQs

How long does it take to get rid of rodents?
Most issues can be brought under control in a few days to a couple weeks, depending on the size of the infestation and how many entry points need sealing.

Are rodents only a winter problem?
Nope. In the Bay Area, rodent issues are year-round. Dry summers push them indoors for water, and wet winters push them up into attics.

Do I need monthly pest control?
Not always. We customize based on your home and problem. Some folks just need a one-time cleanup and seal-up. Others benefit from a regular plan—especially if you’re near open fields or water.

Rodents don’t belong in your pantry. Or anywhere else in your home. Let’s fix that—for good.

Visit ATCO Pest Control and schedule your inspection today.