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When it comes to keeping your commercial spaces pest-free, choosing the right pest control provider is a decision that can impact your reputation and bottom
Have you noticed mysterious holes or mounds of dirt in your lawn? You might be dealing with burrowing rats.
If you’ve walked out into your backyard and found fresh dirt piles or small holes along your fence line, deck, or garden beds, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with rats—specifically, burrowing rats like Norway rats.
These rodents are notorious for building intricate tunnel systems right under our feet, often going unnoticed until the damage is already done.
Rat holes in the yard aren’t just unsightly—they’re a sign of a deeper problem that won’t go away on its own.
In fact, ignoring them can lead to property damage, health hazards, and full-blown infestations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to identify rat holes, understand why they’re there, and walk you through safe, effective strategies to reclaim your yard.
Before you jump to conclusions, take a moment to confirm whether the holes in your yard are caused by rats.
After all, several animals dig holes, but each species leaves behind different clues.
Still unsure what kind of animal you’re dealing with?
You can sprinkle flour, talcum powder, or sand near the hole and check for footprints the next morning.
To figure out if you’ve got rats, look for prints about ¾ to 1 inch long—rats have four toes on their front feet and five on the back, and you’ll usually see a little tail drag mark running between the footprints.
Rats are smart, adaptive animals.
If you’re seeing burrows in your yard, it means your property probably offers all the things rats need to survive — food, water, shelter, and a safe place to nest.
Here’s what draws rats to backyards:
Unsecured trash bins, compost piles, fallen fruit, birdseed, and pet food left outside are all perfect snacks for hungry rats.
Rats have an excellent sense of smell.
If your yard consistently provides easy access to food, rats are likely to move in and stay.
Even a small leak from a hose or irrigation system can be a great water source for rodents.
Pools, birdbaths, and poorly draining areas can also provide plenty of drinking water for these little rodents.
Rats prefer to burrow in undisturbed areas with ground cover like ivy, overgrown grass, woodpiles, or thick mulch.
These places offer safety from predators and humans, making them ideal nesting locations.
Rats are drawn to the perimeter of structures like sheds, decks, garages, and concrete slabs.
These areas often have soft soil and hidden entry points, making them perfect for tunneling.
Start by removing anything that makes your yard attractive to rats.
How to do it:
When rats lose access to food and water, they’re more likely to relocate or fall victim to traps.
Before attempting to fill or collapse burrows, figure out if they’re active.
How to do it:
Once you’re confident a burrow is vacant, it’s safe to destroy it.
How to do it:
Pro Tip: Check the area weekly. Rats are persistent—if they return to the hole, you may need to use additional deterrents to keep them away.
Traps can reduce rat populations as long as you place and use them correctly.
How to do it:
In their desperation to get rid of rats, many homeowners turn to home remedies or hazardous products that can do more harm than good.
Here are a few of the top things to avoid:
Pouring ammonia or bleach into burrows won’t drive rats away permanently.
After all, rats are smart critters, and it’s easy for them to bypass unpleasant smells by digging deeper.
Plus, toxic fumes can seep into homes if tunnels run beneath the foundation, posing a risk to your health, the soil around your home, and your groundwater.
While rodenticides might kill a few rats, they don’t eliminate the entire colony, and they may actually introduce new problems.
Specifically, these products can be dangerous for kids, pets, and wildlife, and dead rats may decay in walls or burrows, creating odor and sanitation issues.
Though dry ice (which releases CO₂) can be effective when used properly in outdoor settings, it’s dangerous when near homes or in enclosed spaces.
Carbon monoxide fumigation (e.g., using car exhaust or hoses) is extremely hazardous and illegal in many areas without proper licensing and equipment.
Smoke bombs rarely penetrate deep enough to reach the entire burrow system.
Plus, they pose fire risks, especially in dry California landscapes. As such, these methods may be restricted by local fire codes.
When DIY methods don’t cut it, it’s time to bring in the experts.
At Smith’s Pest Management, we use proven techniques tailored to your specific situation—safely and effectively.
Here’s how we eliminate burrowing rats:
We start with a thorough inspection to locate all active and inactive burrows, feeding areas, and foraging areas.
Mapping helps determine the scale of the infestation and pinpoint the best areas for treatment.
Next, our team will work with you to remove access to food, water, and shelter.
This step is essential to getting rid of rats in the long term. After all, traps and other treatments are WAY more effective when rats are hungry and ready to explore new food options.
Where feasible, we break up soil, destroy tunnel systems, and compact areas to prevent re-burrowing.
This deters rats from returning and makes future infestations less likely.
Next, we set and monitor snap traps, multi-catch stations, and tamper-resistant bait boxes based on rodent behavior and burrow locations.
Our techs check traps regularly and adjust placement as needed.
For underground colonies, we may use a CO₂ injection method that floods the tunnels with carbon dioxide, humanely eliminating the rodents.
This is especially effective for Norway rats and is a safer alternative to rodenticides when used correctly.
When all other methods have failed, and the infestation is severe, we may apply restricted-use rodenticides – always in compliance with California’s strict regulations.
These products are handled only by licensed professionals and used with great care and caution.
The safety of your kids, pets, and the local environment is always our top priority!
Rat burrows are more than a nuisance—they’re a sign of a persistent rodent problem.
The sooner you take action, the easier it is to protect your yard, your home, and your family.
If you’ve tried DIY methods without success—or just want peace of mind—Smith’s Pest Management is here to help.
We specialize in safe, effective rodent control for California homeowners, from Marin to Monterey..
Yes! In addition to being unsightly, burrows can damage landscaping, destabilize foundations, and create direct access points into your home.
Rats also spread diseases and parasites that can affect humans and pets.
Usually Norway rats.
These large, ground-dwelling rats create extensive burrow systems.
Roof rats, while typically found in attics and trees, may occasionally take over old burrows if needed.
Only after confirming the burrow is inactive. Collapsing an active burrow may cause rats to dig elsewhere or head indoors.
With this in mind, monitor first, then fill.
Remove food and water sources, block access points, reduce clutter, and maintain landscaping.
Partnering with a pest professional can help maintain a long-term prevention plan.
Once you’ve eliminated an active infestation, focus on prevention to keep rats from returning.
Here’s how:
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Smith’s Pest Management Blog & Resources
When it comes to keeping your commercial spaces pest-free, choosing the right pest control provider is a decision that can impact your reputation and bottom
Have you noticed mysterious holes or mounds of dirt in your lawn? You might be dealing with burrowing rats. If you’ve walked out into your
Gardening in Cupertino is pretty ideal—mild weather, rich soil, and a long growing season make it a dream for plants… until the pests show up.
Phone:
(408) 871-6988
Address:
1931 O’Toole Way
San Jose, CA 95131
