Rodents in Memphis are not limited to a few rough corners of town. Norway rats and house mice live across the metro area because the city offers year-round food and mild winters. Old neighborhoods such as Binghampton, Orange Mound and Midtown have aging housing with gaps and crawl spaces; the riverfront and Downtown have restaurants and warehouses; and expanding suburbs have construction sites that stir up burrows. Even a freshly built house in Cordova can get mice once a nearby field is cleared.
PestMinistry is a referral service. We connect callers with independent, licensed rodent control providers in our network; we do not trap or exclude rodents ourselves.
Know your rodent
Norway rats are large and heavy, with blunt noses and tails shorter than their bodies. They dig burrows beside slabs, under porches and along fence lines. House mice are small, quick and hide inside walls and cabinets. Both reproduce quickly: a few mice in October can become dozens by spring. Roof rats occur in some Southern states, but around Memphis the more usual rats are Norway rats, so providers focus on ground-level burrows and basement or crawl space access.
Clues that rodents have moved in
- Droppings along baseboards, in cupboards or in crawl spaces.
- Greasy smudges along pipes and the base of walls.
- Gnawed wires, insulation or food packaging.
- Digging beside the foundation or under outbuildings.
- Scratching in ceilings or between floors after dark.
Entry points typical of Memphis houses
Pier-and-beam houses have wide-open crawl spaces with vents that are easily damaged. Brick ranches have weep holes and utility penetrations that mice can slip through. Many homes have window-unit air conditioners with gaps around the frame, and garage doors with worn bottom seals. Attics often connect to the outdoors through soffit vents without screens. A skilled inspector looks for these items first, because closing the gaps is what makes a trapping program stick.
How the service works
- Inspection of the crawl space, attic, garage and yard.
- Trapping and, where suitable, tamper-resistant bait stations.
- Sealing entry points with metal mesh, sheet metal and exterior-grade sealant.
- Removal of nesting materials and droppings where needed.
- A follow-up visit to check traps and confirm that activity has ended.
Reducing attraction
- Use lidded trash cans and keep them away from the house.
- Pick up fallen pecans, fruit and pet food from the yard.
- Cut back vines and shrubs touching the walls.
- Fix leaking spigots and drains that provide water.
- Store items in plastic bins rather than cardboard in garages.
Reach a licensed provider
Call (844) 725-1661 and we will connect you with a licensed provider in our network who serves Memphis.
Memphis rodent FAQs
Why do I find rodents in a new house?
Construction disturbs habitat and brings animals looking for shelter. Gaps around pipes and vents in a newly built home can be just as open as those in an old one.
Does mild winter weather change rodent activity?
It means activity is spread across the year rather than concentrated in a cold-season rush, though cold snaps still send mice indoors.
Are glue boards a good choice?
Many professionals avoid them, preferring snap traps and exclusion. Ask your provider what they use.
Is it safe to sleep in a house with rodents?
Rodents can spread germs through droppings and urine. Avoid direct contact and arrange treatment promptly.