Rodents are way more common in Houston homes than most people realize. They’re constantly making themselves comfortable in attics, walls, and crawl spaces across the city. It’s not just an occasional issue; it’s practically an epidemic in some neighborhoods.
Why Houston Has So Many Rodent Problems
The Houston climate creates perfect conditions for rodent populations to thrive. Hot, humid summers followed by mild winters mean these pests reproduce year-round. No seasonal die-offs like northern states experience.
Older neighborhoods with mature trees provide excellent highways for roof rats and squirrels to access homes. Newer developments often disturb existing rodent habitats, sending them looking for new homes – possibly yours.
Some areas in Houston report 60-70% of homes have had rodent issues at some point. That’s a lot of unwanted houseguests!
Common Houston Rodents
Roof Rats
- Dark brown/black bodies
- Excellent climbers
- Prefer attics and upper areas
- Can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter
- Leave greasy marks along walls and rafters
House Mice
- Small, grayish bodies
- Reproduce extremely quickly (a female can have 5-10 litters per year!)
- Often enter through tiny gaps around plumbing
- Usually stay within 30 feet of their nest
Squirrels
- Most common in wooded neighborhoods
- Extremely persistent
- Can cause significant damage to rooflines and fascia boards
- Often heard scratching in attics during morning and evening
Signs You Might Have Rodents
Most homeowners miss the early warning signs of an infestation. By the time they hear noises in the walls, the problem’s already established. Here’s what to watch for:
Strange noises – Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds, especially at night or early morning
Droppings – Small, dark pellets in cabinets, drawers, or along baseboards
Gnaw marks – Look for chewed holes in food packaging, baseboards, or wiring
Nesting materials – Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation gathered in hidden areas
Unexplained odors – Musty, ammonia-like smells can indicate rodent urine
Health Risks of Rodent Infestations
Rodents aren’t just annoying – they’re potentially dangerous to your health. They can spread more than 35 diseases through direct contact, droppings, urine, or their parasites.
Some common health concerns include:
- Hantavirus
- Salmonellosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Allergies and asthma triggers
- Leptospirosis
Besides health risks, rodents can cause expensive property damage by chewing through electrical wiring (potentially causing fires), damaging insulation, and destroying stored items.
DIY vs Professional Removal
Many Houston homeowners try DIY rodent control first, but this approach has limitations. Store-bought traps might catch a few mice, but they rarely address the root problem.
Professional wildlife removal typically includes several critical steps:
- Thorough inspection to identify all entry points
- Complete sealing of these access points (exclusion)
- Humane trapping and removal of all rodents
- Sanitization of affected areas
- Prevention strategies to keep them from returning
A full-home exclusion might cost between $900-1,800 depending on the size of your house and severity of the problem. Compare that to the potential thousands in damage untreated rodents can cause, and professional help starts looking like a bargain.
Prevention Tips
Preventing rodents is easier than removing them. Here are some simple steps:
- Trim tree branches away from your roofline (at least 6-8 feet)
- Seal any gaps larger than 1/4 inch around pipes, vents, and cables
- Store food in airtight containers
- Keep outdoor trash in sealed bins
- Remove yard debris and woodpiles away from your foundation
- Check your garage door seal – many rodents enter through damaged seals
When to Call Professionals
If you’ve tried prevention methods but still suspect rodents, it’s time to call in experts. Professional wildlife control specialists have the tools, knowledge, and experience to handle infestations safely and effectively.
Homeowners who act quickly typically save both money and headaches. The sooner you address a rodent issue, the easier it is to resolve. If you’re dealing with a rodent problem in Houston, Texas, and need more guidance on effective removal options, you can find detailed information and services at woodlandswildlifetx.com.
Don’t wait until you hear them in your walls. By then, they’ve already made themselves at home.
