Rodent Exterminator in Oakdale & Surrounding Areas
Controlling any rodent infestation is difficult, but there is something almost cute and cuddly when you compare a mice infestation to a rat infestation. Rats by their very size can be terrifying, and they can carry diseases which can include bubonic plague, murine typhus, leptospirosis, rickettsial pox, and rat-bite fever. No homeowner can afford to expose their family to this list of diseases.
Rats can destroy your property and spread the diseases listed above. The two most common rats found in our area (Modesto, Manteca, Oakdale, Turlock, the Central Valley, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties) are the Norway rat (rattus norvegicus) and the roof rat (rattus rattus). Aren’t you happy that you do not need to identify them, you just need to call our OnStar Pest Control company to take care of the problem for you.
Understanding the Norway Rat: The Norway rat (rattus norvegicus) is commonly referred to as the brown or gray rat, the water or sewer rat, or the barn rat. No matter what name you use, they are larger and more aggressive than their cousin the roof rat. They usually measure about 16″ from nose to tail, and if you look at the size of a ruler and see that this rat measures about 4+ inches longer, you can understand why rats instill such terror when found inside your home or garage.
This particular rat can be found in open fields and they are known burrowers. The tail of a rat is shorter than the tail of a mouse, and is usually shorter than its body. Construction can disrupt their dens outside and drive them to invade your home. We have found a majority of these kinds of rat located in Modesto.
Identifying the Black Rat: The Black rat (rattus rattus) is more commonly referred to as a roof rat. The have a smaller body and longer tail than the Norway rat. The color range for this rodent can include gray or black, and they have larger ears and longer hair. The fact that they possess extra pads on their feet explains how they climb tree branches or cling to vines, allowing them to gain access through your roof. They are also arboreal, meaning they like to live in your tree canopies, shrubs or other dense vegetation.
The physical structure of these two rat species allows them to gain entry into your home through a hole the size of a quarter. They also can enter through the pipes and electrical wiring of your home. If they cannot find an entryway, they will create one by chewing. Since this includes chewing on wiring, rats can cause fires inside your home.
Don’t wait until pests become a problem. Contact Onstar Pest Control in Oakdale at (209) 845-8711 today to learn more about our customized pest control programs and how we can help you maintain a pest-free environment.
We Control Pests So You Don't Have To
Once we have your current pest infestation under control, choose one of our affordable Oakdale pest control maintenance programs to help keep your home or business pest free.
No matter how they gain access to your home, everywhere they travel their bodies, feet and tails are spreading their feces and urine throughout your home. They are always on the search for food, and the food preparation areas of your kitchen are a favorite haunt. Every time they run across your kitchen floor or countertops, you need to sterilize your food preparation areas to avoid contaminating the food you are serving your family. It makes much more sense to eradicate the rodents and prevent their re-entry. Our programs are specifically designed to terminate first, and prevent their recurrence later.
When you call or e-mail us for an appointment, our knowledgeable technician will assess the problem and present you with options on control. Once the control is finished, we offer a choice of monthly or bi-monthly maintenance plans, one of which is sure to fit within your family budget. Failure to pursue a maintenance program can lead you back to where you started, trying to live with rats.
Why Choose Us?
Maintenance Programs and Services that Fit Your Needs
Locally Owned and Operated
Protecting Your Family From Pests for over 25 Years!
An Organic Solution For
Rats & Rodents
Our company prides itself in offering organic material solutions to rid you of pests and keep them away. If you have a home with children and pets, the last thing you need is to be using poison where they sleep and play. The first part of any pes
control solution is to find the pests, identify them, and use the best & fastest means to control them. Our maintenance programs are designed to keep them gone, for good.
Contact Onstar Pest Control Today!
A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.
What You Should Expect
Onstar serves the cities of Modesto, Manteca, Escalon, Riverbank, Oakdale and Turlock, as well as the Central Valley and Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. Our technicians have undergone extensive training before they wear our uniform, and they are Department of Justice back-ground checked and fingerprinted before we allow them access to your home.
We take our duties to our customers very seriously, and have been rewarded by customer loyalty shown by a Readers Choice award from three local papers (Oakdale Reader, Escalon Times, and the Riverbank News) voting Onstar as the best pest control company. Listen to your neighbors when you chose which company to deal with. You’ll be glad you did.
Get started by calling us today at (209) 845-8711 for a free estimate and an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rat Control in Oakdale
What are the signs of a rat infestation in my Oakdale home?
Common signs of rat activity include droppings, scratching or scurrying noises at night, gnaw marks, damaged food packaging, grease marks along walls, nesting materials, and unusual odors. You may also notice activity in attics, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or around outdoor garbage and food sources. Even limited evidence should be investigated because rats often remain hidden.
Why are rats coming onto my property?
Rats are attracted to properties that provide reliable food, water, and shelter. Pet food, bird seed, garbage, fallen fruit, dense vegetation, storage areas, standing water, and accessible structures can all contribute to rodent activity. In Oakdale and throughout the Central Valley, agricultural surroundings and seasonal changes can also increase rodent pressure around homes and businesses.
How does professional rat control work?
Effective rat control starts with a thorough inspection to determine where rats are active, what is attracting them, and how they may be entering the structure. A professional control strategy can then target the existing population while addressing sanitation concerns and potential access points. Onstar Pest Control takes a comprehensive approach designed to solve the current problem and reduce the likelihood of rats returning.
Why is rodent exclusion important for rat control?
Removing existing rats without addressing how they’re entering can lead to another infestation. Rodent exclusion focuses on identifying and sealing vulnerable openings around rooflines, vents, garages, foundations, utility penetrations, and other potential access points. Combining control with exclusion and prevention provides a more effective long-term solution than simply removing individual rodents.
Are rats dangerous to have around my home?
Rats can contaminate food and surfaces with droppings, urine, and other biological material. They can also damage insulation, stored belongings, building materials, and potentially electrical wiring through their gnawing behavior. Addressing rat activity quickly can help protect both your property and the people living or working there.
How can I help prevent rats from coming back?
Keep garbage securely contained, store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers, remove fallen fruit, reduce clutter and dense vegetation, and eliminate unnecessary water sources. Potential entry points around the structure should also be identified and sealed. Because rodent pressure can occur throughout the year, ongoing monitoring and pest control can provide an additional layer of year-round protection.
Why choose Onstar Pest Control for rat control in Oakdale?
Onstar Pest Control has served Oakdale and surrounding Central Valley communities since 1998. As a locally owned and operated company, we understand the rodent pressures that affect homes and businesses throughout the region. Our approach focuses on inspection, targeted control, prevention, and identifying potential entry points, with ongoing maintenance options available for customers who want continued rodent and pest protection.