The Central Valley grows a huge share of the country's fruit and nuts, and rodents love the abundance. In Fresno, roof rats feed on backyard citrus, figs and pomegranates and then climb into attics, while Norway rats burrow beside canals, ditches and foundations. Mice live in garages, stored boxes and pantries year-round. The agricultural landscape that surrounds the city means rodents often move between orchards, fields and neighborhoods, particularly on the north and east edges of town.
PestMinistry is a referral service. We connect callers with independent, licensed rodent control providers in our network and do not trap or exclude rodents ourselves.
Know the animal
Roof rats are slim, with long tails and large ears. They travel along fences, utility lines and tree limbs, nesting in attics, palm fronds and dense vines. Norway rats are heavier and prefer ground-level burrows, sheds and crawl spaces. House mice are small and quick. The three require different tactics, so a correct identification is the first step.
Clues you have rodents
- Half-eaten fruit hanging from trees or lying under them.
- Thumping or scurrying overhead around dusk.
- Droppings on attic insulation, rafters or garage shelves.
- Gnawed wiring, pipes or soffit corners.
- Smudge marks along fascia boards and roof edges.
Fresno entry points
Stucco homes often have gaps where pipes and wires enter the wall. Eave vents and gable vents without strong screening let roof rats in. Roof-to-wall junctions, loose fascia boards and tile roofs with open gaps near the edges are favorites. Crawl space vents, garage door seals and sliding pet doors let in Norway rats and mice. A good provider checks the roof edge with a ladder, scans the attic and walks the property boundaries, including fences and canal banks.
What good service looks like
- Inspection of attic, roofline, crawl space, garage and yard.
- Trapping in key areas, with attention to children, pets and wildlife.
- Exclusion: sealing gaps with metal, screening vents and trimming branches.
- Sanitation: removal of soiled insulation and disinfecting as needed.
- Follow-up visits to confirm the problem is solved.
Good exclusion work is long lasting, but you should still check for new gaps after storms or home repairs.
Prevention
- Harvest fruit promptly and pick up windfalls.
- Keep branches trimmed at least a few feet from the roof.
- Thin ivy and dense shrubs against walls.
- Store pet food in sealed containers.
- Keep trash bins closed and ensure the lids fit.
Canals, orchards and the urban edge
Irrigation canals and ditches run through and around Fresno, and their banks provide travel routes and burrow sites for Norway rats. Orchards on the edge of town supply seasonal food, and when harvest ends rats move toward the nearest reliable source, which may be your yard. If your home is near a canal or agricultural land, ask your provider to look beyond the house itself and include fences, sheds and fruit trees in the plan.
Contact
If you hear noises or find droppings, call (844) 725-1661. We will connect you with a licensed provider in our network who serves Fresno.
Fresno rodent FAQs
Why are rats so active at dusk?
Rats are mostly nocturnal and begin moving as light fades.
Can rats damage my wiring?
Yes. They gnaw constantly and may chew on electrical wires, which is a fire risk.
Do fruit trees need to be removed?
Not necessarily. Harvest regularly, trim branches, and use exclusion to reduce risk.
Is poison safe around pets?
It can be dangerous. Providers use secured stations and alternative methods in homes with pets.