Rat Removal

Roof rat and Norway rat trapping, exclusion and attic cleanup.

Roof rats are the dominant rat species across Travis and Williamson County, nesting in attics, garages and palm trees. Vector 1's rat removal combines targeted trapping with exclusion — sealing the roofline gaps, vents and utility penetrations roof rats use to get in.

Why Central Texas Homeowners Need This

Rats chew through electrical wiring (a major fire risk), contaminate attic insulation with urine and droppings, and spread disease. Roof rats in particular are agile climbers — palm trees, tree limbs touching the roof, and even power lines all give them access.

Signs You Need This Service

  • Scratching or running sounds in the attic at night
  • Droppings (capsule-shaped, ~1/2 inch) in the attic, garage or pantry
  • Greasy rub marks along beams and rafters
  • Tree fruit or pet food disappearing overnight
  • Gnawed wires or chewed plastic in the attic

What's Included

  • Roof and attic inspection for all entry points
  • Exclusion sealing with steel mesh and metal flashing
  • Strategic snap trap placement along active runways
  • Tamper-resistant exterior bait stations
  • Follow-up monitoring and sanitation guidance

How It Works

1

Roof & Attic Inspection

We inspect every roofline gap, vent, eave and utility penetration to find entry points.

2

Exclusion First

Steel mesh, foam and metal flashing seal entry points so we trap a closed population.

3

Strategic Trapping

Snap traps placed along active rat runways in attic and exterior, checked on follow-up visits.

4

Monitoring & Guidance

Ongoing visits until activity is zero, plus recommendations for attic cleanup if contamination is heavy.

Pricing Factors & What to Expect

Quoted per home after a free inspection. Cost depends on the number of roofline entry points, accessibility for sealing, attic condition, and follow-up visits needed. Call (512) 652-6300 for a free inspection.

Service Duration: Trap-out typically takes 2–4 weeks. Heavy attic infestations may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between rats and mice?

Rats are much larger (10–18 inches with tail) and leave bigger droppings. Mice are 2–4 inches with smaller, grain-of-rice droppings. Both need different trap sizes.

Can rats really start fires?

Yes. Rats chew wire insulation, exposing live wires that can arc and ignite attic insulation — a documented fire risk in the Austin area.

Do I need attic cleanup?

Light contamination usually doesn't require cleanup. Heavy droppings, urine staining or torn insulation are best removed for safety and odor reasons — we'll advise after inspection.

Related Pests

Get a Straight Quote — No Surprises

We'll tell you exactly what we recommend and what it costs before we do a thing.