Rat Exterminator in Brownstown and Downriver, Michigan
Have rats right now? The SureStop Rodent Program is 4 visits for $445 and includes a written report of where they're getting in. We can schedule you in under 3 days.
Since 1970. Licensed and insured in Michigan. Locally owned. 4.9 stars from 419 Google reviews.
How do I know if I have rats?
Look for droppings about three quarters of an inch long with blunt ends, burrow holes two to four inches wide along the foundation or under a deck or shed, and dark greasy rub marks along walls. Gnawing and heavy scratching at night are also common. Rat droppings are two to three times the size of mouse droppings.
Droppings the size of a grain of rice? That's mice. See mouse control. Hearing something heavier in the attic? See animal in the attic, or start at rodent control.
What each sign looks like:
Scratching noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night.
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Droppings around food, in cupboards, or near baseboards.
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Chewed wires, furniture, or food packaging.
Learn moreWhy do I have rats in my yard?
The rat in Michigan yards and homes is almost always the Norway rat, and it lives in the ground. Norway rats dig burrows where food, water and cover sit close together: bird seed, pet food, garbage and compost for food, and decks, sheds, woodpiles and thick ground cover to hide the hole. They need water every day and usually stay within about 150 feet of the nest, so a rat in your yard is living close by.
Why do I have rats in winter?
Rats don't hibernate. When Michigan turns cold and outdoor food gets scarce, they push toward garages, crawl spaces and basements for warmth and food. A rat fits through a gap of about a half inch, roughly the size of a quarter, and can gnaw a smaller opening wider.
Why are rats so hard to get rid of?
Norway rats are wary of anything new in their territory, so they can avoid a fresh trap or bait station for days. They also travel the same paths along walls and fences every night. Rat control works when traps and stations go on those paths and get adjusted over several visits, which is why a single treatment rarely does it.
How do I get rid of rats in my house or garage?
Trap and bait along the routes rats already use, and find the burrow or gap they are coming from. Our technicians set snap traps and bait stations along walls and travel paths, then adjust on each visit as the rats respond. Removing rats without finding where they live and get in is why the problem keeps coming back.
What does an exterminator charge for rats in Michigan?
At Downriver Pest Control, an active rat problem costs $445 for the 4-visit SureStop Rodent Program, written entry-point report included. Sealing entry points is quoted separately and starts at $275. Not sure it's rats? An inspection is $99 and is credited toward your service.
What is the SureStop Rodent Program?
SureStop is our program for a property that has rats right now, inside or outside. It costs $445.
- 4 visits, spaced to fit your situation and never more than 30 days apart
- Snap traps, multi-catch traps and bait stations set by a licensed Michigan applicator
- A written entry-point report showing where rats are getting in
SureStop knocks down the rats you have. It does not seal the house and it does not come with a warranty. Sealing is the next step.
Call 313-381-1877 to start SureStop.
Can you seal my house so rats stop getting in?
Yes. We quote seal-up work from your SureStop entry-point report, in three levels.
- Level 1, $275 to $600: the entry points we confirmed rats are using
- Level 2, from $600: everything below the gutter line
- Level 3, from $1,995: full home, interior trapping included
We seal what we quote and come back for free rechecks. Nobody can honestly promise a rat-proof house. Our line on exclusion: this may not work, but it will definitely help.
How do I keep rats from coming back?
Once the active problem is knocked down, a Shield membership keeps bait stations serviced all year.
- Rodent Shield: from $45/month, service every other month, 2 bait stations
- Pest + Rodent Shield: from $55/month, adds general pest control, 6 visits a year, free callbacks within 3 business days
- Both: $99 start, 6-month commitment, no long contracts
Shield is prevention only. If you have rats now, start with SureStop.
Do you handle rats at businesses?
Yes. Restaurants, multi-family housing and other commercial buildings get a custom quote. Call 313-381-1877 or see commercial pest control.
What do Downriver customers say?
4.9 stars from 419 Google reviews.
“Great service, quick and efficient.
I called today actually and the woman on the phone was prompt and able to get a tech out to my property SAME day. The Tech, John, was quick to identify my problem after asking a few questions, sadly it's RATs, BAH! However, we have a solid plan to get them taken care of and the cost? A drop in the bucket for the peace of mind knowing I won't have those disgusting creatures scurrying around my back yard and under the patio.
If I could give them six stars I would, fantastic company, you won't be disappointed.”
Charles Wolf, Google review
“Quick and responsive service. Friendly people and good explanations. They have to come back and check but I haven't seen the rat again”
Brenda Thom, Google review
Rat Control Questions We Get Every Week
How fast can you come out for rats?
We can schedule most rat jobs in under 3 days. Call 313-381-1877 Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, or send the form after hours.
How long does it take to get rid of rats?
It depends on how many rats you have and where they're nesting. Norway rats avoid new objects at first, so expect it to take longer than mice. The SureStop Rodent Program runs 4 visits, spaced to fit what we find and never more than 30 days apart.
Does SureStop come with a guarantee?
No. SureStop knocks down the rats you have, and we won't promise a rat-free property because nobody honestly can. On seal-up work, we seal what we quote and come back for free rechecks.
I only see rats outside. Do I still need service?
A burrow near the foundation means rats are living next to your house, and they push toward garages and crawl spaces when it gets cold. SureStop covers outdoor-only rat problems at the same $445.
Can I use Rodent Shield for the rats I have right now?
No. Rodent Shield is prevention only. An active rat problem starts with the SureStop Rodent Program at $445, and Shield comes after.
Do I have to sign a long contract?
No. SureStop is a 4-visit program for $445. Shield memberships have a 6-month commitment and nothing longer.
Are the traps and bait a risk to my kids and pets?
Bait goes inside locked, tamper-resistant stations, and traps are placed where children and pets can't reach them. Tell your technician about every pet and child in the home before we set anything.
How do I tell rats from mice?
Check the droppings. Rat droppings are about three quarters of an inch long with blunt ends. Mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice. If it looks like mice, see our mouse control page.
Do I need the $99 inspection first?
Not if you already know it's rats. Start with SureStop. If you're not sure what you have, the inspection is $99 and is credited toward your service.
Got a question? We’re here to help.
Where do you treat for rats?
We're based in Brownstown and get the most rat calls from Grosse Ile, Trenton, Brownstown, Riverview and Woodhaven. We also serve Southgate, Wyandotte, Taylor, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Flat Rock, Gibraltar and Rockwood. See all service areas.
Seeing rats? Call 313-381-1877.
Phones are answered Monday to Friday, 8 to 5. After hours, send the form and we'll call you back.