Rodent Control in Los Angeles — Rat and Mouse Exterminator

Los Angeles earned the title of most rat-infested city in the United States according to Orkin's 2025 rankings — and has held that position for three consecutive years. The city's warm climate, year-round food availability, aging infrastructure with abundant entry points, and rapid development that displaces wildlife from natural habitats all contribute to an explosive rodent population.

The dominant rodent species in Greater LA is the roof rat (Rattus rattus), also called the black rat. Unlike Norway rats that burrow in the ground, roof rats are agile climbers that nest in attics, wall cavities, palm tree fronds, citrus trees, and ivy ground cover. They enter homes through rooflines, gaps around pipes, and utility line entry points. A roof rat needs only a 1/2-inch gap to enter a structure.

Norway rats (sewer rats) are less common in LA but live in burrows and enter through sewer lines and ground-level openings. House mice are also present, particularly in urban areas and around commercial food facilities.

Rodents cause structural damage by gnawing on wood and wiring (a major fire hazard), contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine, and can spread diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. Read our guide on how to keep rodents out of your home and signs of rats in your walls.

Step 1 — Inspection: We conduct a thorough exterior and interior inspection to identify rodent entry points, nesting areas, runways, and evidence of activity (droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks).

Step 2 — Exclusion: We seal entry points using hardware cloth, steel wool, sheet metal, and caulk. Exclusion is the most important step — without it, new rodents will enter after trapping removes the current population.

Step 3 — Trapping: We place snap traps in attic, crawl space, garage, and key interior locations. Glue boards are used in specific situations. We do not use rodenticide (poison bait) inside structures due to the risk of secondary poisoning in pets and wildlife.

Step 4 — Return Visits: We return to clear traps, replace bait, and monitor activity levels until rodent pressure is resolved.

Step 5 — Sanitation Advice: We document attic contamination (rodent droppings, nesting material) and advise on decontamination if the infestation was significant.

Rodent control in Los Angeles starts at $175–$350 for an initial inspection and exclusion estimate. Full exclusion service costs $450–$1,500+ depending on the number of entry points and structural access difficulty. Attic cleanout and decontamination runs $500–$2,500 for an average attic.

Ongoing monitoring programs after exclusion run $75–$150 per monthly follow-up visit. Most rodent problems are resolved with 2–4 trapping visits after exclusion.

Prices are estimates based on 2026 LA market averages. Actual cost depends on infestation severity, property size, and number of entry points.

Rodent control service is available across all 42 cities in Greater Los Angeles. Click your city for local rodent control information:

Long Beach · Torrance · Pasadena · Glendale · Burbank · Santa Monica · Santa Clarita · Palmdale · Inglewood · Compton · Downey · Pomona · and all 42 cities

Hearing scratching at night? Call (213) 691-0241 now. LA Pest Pros calls back within 15 minutes and can schedule same-day or next-day inspection across Greater Los Angeles. Free estimate, upfront pricing.