If you live in Lafayette, you are dealing with one of the most active rat environments in Contra Costa County, thanks to the mature trees, open space, and creek corridors surrounding local neighborhoods.
At Smith’s Pest Management, we handle rat problems throughout the area every day and understand exactly how local conditions allow them to thrive.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of rats and keep them out of your property.
Smart Rat Control Tips for Lafayette Homeowners
1. Prevent Rats From Accessing Your Roof
Believe it or not, most rat infestations begin on the roof.
Roof rats are excellent climbers, and they can easily maneuver their bodies into attic vents, eaves, and tiny gaps.
What to do:
- Trim back climbing vines from siding, fences, and walls
- Trim all tree branches to be at least 3–4 feet away from your roof
- Cut back shrubs that touch the siding of your home
- Reduce overgrown vegetation around your foundation
2. Pick up Fallen Fruit From Fruit Trees
Rats are smart and savvy, and they’ll capitalize on any source of food they can find. They love fallen fruit, and leaving it on the ground will only attract these pests to your home.
What to do:
- Pick up fallen fruit daily when your trees are productive
- Store harvested fruit securely
- Get rid of all other food sources, including pet food and birdseed
- Clean up after your dog (rats love to eat dog poop)
3. Resolve Your Snail Problem
If you’ve got a snail problem, you’ll never get rid of rats on your property.
They’re some of the most nutritious and accessible food sources rats can find, and they love to munch on them all year long.
What to do:
- Hire a professional team like Smith’s Pest Management to provide targeted snail treatments for your lawn and garden.
- Create snail-proof barriers with crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth.
When to Call Smith’s Pest Management
Sometimes DIY prevention isn’t enough. Give our local pest control team a call if:
- You hear squeaking or squealing noises in your attic
- You see rats active during the daytime
- Your neighbors are dealing with a rat infestation
- Your DIY trapping or prevention has failed
At Smith’s Pest Management, we remove rats using non-toxic trapping methods that eliminate the active infestation.
Then we seal the entry points they’re using, so we prevent new rats from getting back inside, without putting your family, pets, or local wildlife at risk.
Don’t Let Rats Destroy Your Contra Costa Home! We’re Here to Help
The most effective way to get rid of rats in Lafayette is to prevent them from getting into your property to begin with.
By keeping rats off your roof and eliminating their favorite food sources, you can make your property less appealing to them and prevent infestations before they start.
If rats have already moved in, professional inspection and trapping provide the safest and most reliable solution.
Contact the team here at Smith’s Pest Management to learn more about our expert rat control services: (408) 871-6988.
Why are rats so common in Lafayette?
Lafayette’s oak trees, irrigated landscaping, mild climate, and sprawling neighborhoods provide all the food, shelter, and habitat for roof rats to thrive year-round.
How do I know if I have rats in my house?
Common signs include scratching sounds, droppings, chewed furniture or other materials, musty odors, and rat sightings.
What kinds of rats live in Lafayette?
Roof rats are the most common species locally. They prefer elevated areas like attics, trees, and roofs, and are excellent climbers.
