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Rodent exclusion and control service by 101 Exterminators in Central California

Rodent Control That Actually Lasts

Exclusion · Trapping · Bait Stations · Sanitation

Setting traps without sealing entry points is like bailing water from a boat with the plug still out. 101 Exterminators' rodent control programs begin with thorough exclusion — identifying and sealing every gap, crack, and opening larger than a quarter-inch — combined with strategic trapping and bait placement. The result is not just reduced rodent activity, but a structure that resists re-entry long after our initial treatment.

★★★★★5.0·400+ Google reviews

Why This Matters Here

Salinas Valley's agricultural fields generate seasonal rodent migrations — as crops are harvested, displaced Norway rats and house mice move into adjacent residential and commercial properties. Roof rats are endemic throughout Monterey County's tree-lined neighborhoods, particularly in properties with citrus, avocado, or mature ornamental trees. Santa Cruz County's redwood-adjacent properties contend with persistent roof rat populations. San Jose and South Santa Clara County face urban Norway rat pressure in older neighborhoods near storm drains and food businesses.

Our program combines three components: (1) Exclusion — sealing gaps in foundations, pipe penetrations, vents, and roof eaves using hardware cloth, copper mesh, foam sealant, and sheet metal as appropriate. (2) Trapping — placement and monitoring of snap traps, live traps, and glue boards in active areas. (3) Exterior bait stations — tamper-resistant bait stations positioned along perimeter rodent runways for ongoing population management.

Signs You Need This Service

  • Droppings along walls, in cabinets, behind appliances, or in attic insulation
  • Gnaw marks on wiring, wood, plastic pipes, or food packaging
  • Grease marks along walls or baseboards — oil from rodent fur rubbed repeatedly on surfaces
  • Nesting materials (shredded paper, insulation, fabric) in hidden locations
  • Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors at night
  • Burrows in landscaping, mulch beds, or under concrete slabs
  • Citrus or avocado fruits with bite marks — a classic roof rat indicator
  • Pet acting alert at walls or cabinets when no visible cause exists

Our Process

Every service follows a structured protocol designed to deliver effective, lasting results — not a temporary fix.

01
Step 01

Inspection & Runway Mapping

We identify gnaw marks, runways, burrows, droppings, and grease trails to map rodent activity throughout the property — interior and exterior.

02
Step 02

Exclusion

We seal all discovered entry points with durable materials appropriate to the opening — hardware cloth, copper mesh, sheet metal flashing, or foam sealant for smaller gaps.

03
Step 03

Trapping & Bait Placement

Interior snap traps and exterior tamper-resistant bait stations are positioned along active runways. We monitor and service these on a schedule until activity ceases.

04
Step 04

Follow-Up & Monitoring

We return to clear traps, replenish bait, check exclusion work, and confirm that the population has been eliminated before closing out the service.

Why Choose 101 Exterminators

20+ years of service across four Central California counties. CA licensed, insured, and backed by a genuine satisfaction guarantee.

Exclusion-First Methodology

Without sealing entry points, any rodent removed will simply be replaced by another. We seal the structure before or concurrent with trapping — not as an afterthought.

No Unmonitored Poison Bait Indoors

We do not place loose rodenticide indoors where rodents can carry it to walls and die inaccessibly. Interior work uses traps with daily monitoring during active treatment.

Regional Species Knowledge

Norway rats, roof rats, and deer mice behave differently and require different approaches. We identify the species present before selecting treatment methods.

Sanitation Recommendations

After resolving an infestation, we advise on harborage removal, vegetation management, and food storage to prevent reinfestation — not just a repeat service call.

20+

Years in Business

A+

BBB Rating

4

Counties Served

5★

Google Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Roof rats are agile climbers — evidence is typically in attics, rafters, upper walls, and fruit trees. Their droppings are elongated with pointed ends (about 12mm). Norway rats burrow in soil and travel along ground level — they prefer basements, crawl spaces, and the lower floors of structures. Their droppings are blunt-ended capsules (about 18-20mm). Activity location is the key indicator; we identify species during the initial inspection.

How long does rodent exclusion take?

A standard residential exclusion service takes 2–4 hours for most homes. Larger structures, slab-on-grade homes with many pipe penetrations, or properties with significant landscape features near the structure may take longer. We provide a time and cost estimate before beginning work.

Can rats chew through steel wool?

Yes — steel wool compresses and rodents chew through it within weeks. We use hardware cloth (1/4-inch galvanized mesh), sheet metal, and copper mesh depending on the application. For permanent exclusion, the right material for each specific opening is essential.

Is rodent control dangerous for my pets?

Exterior bait stations are tamper-resistant and not accessible to dogs or cats under normal use. We discuss bait placement relative to your pets' behavior and access areas. Interior treatment uses snap traps placed out of pet reach. We always review product choices with you before use.

Serving 4 Central California Counties

Monterey · San Benito · Santa Cruz · Santa Clara

Free Rodent Control Inspection

No obligation. Written estimate before any work begins. CA licensed and insured. Serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties.

5.0 · Google Reviews