We’ve spent over 15 years dealing with rodent infestations in Texas homes, and we’ll tell you right now – those scratching sounds in your walls aren’t just annoying, they’re a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Getting rid of rodents in walls requires a systematic approach combining identification, exclusion, removal, and prevention methods.

The Basic Process (in order of importance):

Find and seal all exterior entry points
Remove existing rodents through proper trapping
Clean and sanitize affected areas
Install preventive measures to stop future infestations

Understanding Your Unwanted Guests

Those scratching sounds you’re hearing are probably either mice or rats. In The Woodlands and Greater Houston area, we typically encounter two main species: the common house mouse (Mus musculus) and the roof rat (Rattus rattus). Each brings its own set of challenges.

Mice vs Rats: Know Your Enemy

House mice are smaller, usually 2.5-4 inches long without the tail. They’re excellent climbers and can squeeze through holes as small as a dime (really, we’ve seen it). Their droppings are tiny, about the size of a rice grain.

Roof rats are bigger troublemakers, reaching 6-8 inches in body length. They need slightly larger openings, about the size of a quarter, but they’re amazing climbers and often enter homes through upper levels. Understanding rat climbing skills is crucial for homeowners looking to prevent infestations.

When Are Rodents Most Active?

When dealing with rodent problems, it’s essential to understand what influences their behavior. While they are primarily nocturnal, some rats may be active during the day due to food scarcity, disturbances, or high population density. Observing these patterns can help manage the infestation effectively.

Signs You’ve Got Company

Before we get into removal methods, let’s talk about what you’re probably seeing and hearing.

Definitive Signs of Rodents in Walls:

A scratching or scurrying sound, especially at night
Droppings near baseboards or in corners
Grease marks along walls (from their fur)
Gnaw marks on wood, especially around entry points
A distinct musty odor (particularly with larger infestations)

The Health Risks

We don’t want to scare you, but it’s worth mentioning that rodents aren’t just a nuisance. They can carry some pretty serious diseases, including Hantavirus and Leptospirosis. They also trigger allergies and asthma in many people through their droppings and dander.

Step-by-Step Removal Process

1. Inspection and Entry Point Location

Start outside your home. We typically spend about 20-30 min on our initial inspections, but for a less experienced eye, taking 1-2 hours to make sure you identify every entry point isn’t out of the question—because thoroughness here saves time later.

Carefully Look For:

Gaps around utility line entrances
Damaged roof vents or soffits
Cracks in the foundation
Tree branches touching the house
Gaps under doors or in weather stripping

2. Sealing Entry Points

This is absolutely crucial – if you skip this step, you’ll be fighting an endless battle. We use a combination of:

Copper mesh (it won’t rust and rodents can’t chew through it)
Heavy-gauge hardware cloth (1/4 inch mesh)
Professional-grade sealants
Expanding foam (but only after blocking with mesh first)

3. Trapping Methods

Now for the part everyone wants to jump to first – actually catching these pests. We’ve tried pretty much every trap on the market, and we’ve figured out what actually works.

Snap Traps: Still the most effective option. Place them perpendicular to walls where you’ve seen activity. Bait with peanut butter or dried fruit (we’ve had great success with these).

Live Catch Traps: If you’re opposed to lethal methods, these work but require more attention. You’ll need to check them at least daily.

Avoid Glue Traps: While they can be effective in some cases, they’re less humane and can lead to some pretty unpleasant situations. We’ve stopped using them entirely.

Professional vs DIY Approach

Look, we’re obviously biased here since this is what we do for a living, but we’ll be straight with you about when you might be able to handle it yourself:

You Can Try DIY If:

Your infestation is recent
You’ve only heard occasional noises
You can clearly identify all entry points (most importantly on your roof)
You’re comfortable with heights and confined spaces

Call a Professional If:

The infestation has been ongoing for months
You’re hearing noises throughout the walls and in the attic
You’ve tried trapping without success
There are signs of structural damage
You don’t feel confident in your ability to identify entry points
You have medical conditions that could be aggravated by rodent exposure

Prevention: The Long-term Solution

Once you’ve gotten rid of your rodent problem, you’ll want to keep them from coming back.

Keep trees that would allow easy access to your roof trimmed back at least 6 feet away from your house
Store food in gnaw-proof containers
Clean up fallen fruit or nuts in your yard
Maintain your exterior regularly, checking for new gaps or damage

The Cost Factor

DIY methods might run you $100-200 for basic supplies (traps, sealants, mesh). Professional rodent control services typically range from $500-1500 depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home.

Hiring an expert might seem expensive at first, but many who try DIY methods end up learning the hard way that rats and mice are very smart and not at all easy to get rid of. Professional experience goes a long way in handling a rodent problem properly.

What Not to Do

Don’t use poison in walls (dead rodents create odor problems)
Don’t get any human scent on traps that you’re placing
Don’t ignore small holes thinking they’re too tiny for entry
Don’t wait to address the problem (it only gets worse)

Common Mistakes We See

After thousands of jobs, we keep seeing homeowners make the same mistakes.

Expecting to solve the problem by just placing traps and not sealing any entry points
Using cheap materials that rodents can chew through
Focusing only on obviously visible entry points
Not addressing attractants in the yard or home

Looking for a Long-term Solution?

We’re not going to pretend this is a simple fix. Getting rid of rodents in walls takes time, patience, and attention to detail. But if you follow these steps systematically, you can solve the problem permanently.

Want more specific advice about your situation? Give us a call. We serve The Woodlands and the Greater Houston, Texas area, and we’re always happy to do a thorough inspection and give you our professional assessment.

Getting Rid of Rodents in Walls: A Complete Guide