Get Rid of Rats in Burke

Signs You Might Have a Rat Infestation in Burke

Highland’s Proven Eco-Friendly Rat Control Process

The Green Way to Remove Rats from Your Burke Home or Business

Thorough Inspection & Rodent Activity Mapping

We conduct a detailed inspection to:

• Identify entry points (gaps, cracks, holes).
• Locate centers of rodent activity and runways where trapping should be focused.
• Check drop ceilings, basements, storage areas, and hidden spaces where rats commonly nest.

Intensive Clean-Out & Trapping

Our Burke rat removal process is aggressive and highly effective:

• Strategic Snap Trap Placement – Traps are placed against walls and in high-traffic areas, including open spaces where rats have been observed.
• Pre-Baiting Techniques – We condition rats to accept the bait before traps are set, increasing success rates.
• Drop Ceiling Treatments – In office buildings or commercial properties, we place sporadic traps in ceilings and use rodenticides in inaccessible areas for maximum impact.
• Exterior Rat Control – We use spre-baited snap traps and perform burrow treatments as needed.

Exclusion & Prevention

Eliminating rats is only half the battle—keeping them out is just as important.

Our Burke exclusion services include:

• Sealing cracks and holes rats use to enter.
• Installing door sweeps to block entry under doors.
• Creating physical barriers to prevent re-entry.

Ongoing Protection & Monitoring

For long-term rat control, we offer ongoing monitoring and prevention plans, ensuring your home or business stays rat-free and giving you peace of mind.

Facts About Rats in the Burke, VA Area

Norway Rats Dominate – The most common rat species in the region is the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the brown rat. These rats are excellent burrowers and often nest in basements, crawl spaces, and outdoor burrows near buildings.

Heavy Rat Pressure – Due to population density, restaurant waste, and old buildings, rats are a persistent problem in the D.C area, consistently ranking among the top 5 most rat-infested cities in the U.S.

Rats Can Survive on Almost Anything – From discarded food scraps to pet food and even compost, rats have strong survival instincts and will eat nearly anything. A single rat can consume up to 10% of its body weight daily.

They Can Squeeze Through Tiny Gaps – Rats can fit through holes as small as a quarter (about ½ inch wide). That’s why sealing entry points is crucial in preventing infestations.

Strong Teeth That Chew Through Almost Anything – Rats have incredibly powerful teeth that can gnaw through wood, plastic, brick, lead pipes, and even soft concrete. This makes exclusion work essential to keep them out.

They Breed Rapidly – A female rat can have up to 6 litters per year, with 6-12 pups per litter. In just a few months, a small rat problem can turn into a full-blown infestation.

They Love Drop Ceilings & Hidden Spaces – In commercial buildings, rats often travel through drop ceilings, using the space as a highway. This is why placing traps and rodenticide in ceilings is an effective control strategy.

Rats Carry Diseases & Contaminate Food – Rats are known carriers of salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and other harmful pathogens. Their droppings and urine can contaminate food prep areas, making professional removal and cleanup essential.

Mostly Nocturnal, But Active When Pressured – While rats are typically nocturnal, heavy infestations can force them to be active during the day, which is a strong sign that the problem is severe.