San Francisco Rat and Mouse Questions
Here's what people in the city ask us most often. If your question isn't here, call. The guides go deeper on roof rats, rentals, poison rules and cleanup.
Questions and Answers
Are you an exterminator?
No. Think of us as the switchboard. The licensed pest company on the other end does the work and names the price.
Which neighborhoods do you cover?
All of them. The service areas page has pages for the Mission, Sunset, Richmond, Bayview, Excelsior, Noe Valley, the Castro and more.
What kinds of rodents does San Francisco have?
The health department lists three: the Norway rat, the roof rat and the house mouse. See rat or mouse? for how to tell them apart.
My landlord isn't doing anything. What can I do?
Report it in writing. The health department's guidance says owners should look into pest reports within 72 hours. If nothing happens, call 311 to file a complaint with Environmental Health.
Can a company just put out poison?
Not the way it used to. UC IPM says most anticoagulant rodenticides are prohibited in most areas of California. Traps and sealing do most of the work now. See rat poison rules.
How small a gap can they use?
UC IPM says to seal anything over a quarter inch, and notes young rats can get under a door with a half-inch gap.
Can you quote me a price?
No. The company quotes after seeing the building. Old buildings vary a lot, and so do the jobs.
Why are there rats on my backyard fence?
Probably roof rats traveling between yards. Ivy, fruit trees and compost draw them. See ivy, fruit trees and roof rats.
How should I clean up droppings?
Air the space out, glove up, soak the droppings with disinfectant for five minutes and wipe them up with paper towels. Never sweep or vacuum them. Full steps in the cleanup guide.
Do you guarantee the work?
We don't do the work, so no. Ask the company what guarantee or warranty they offer.