Controlling Rats & Mice
Professional Rodent Control Dublin: Rat & Mice Exterminators
Hearing scratching in the attic or finding droppings in the kitchen? A rat or mouse infestation is a serious health and safety risk. Rodents spread diseases, contaminate food, and can cause severe fire hazards by chewing through electrical wires. If you are facing an infestation, you need urgent, professional rodent control Dublin.
At Owl Pest Control, we don’t just put down bait and walk away. Our licensed technicians specialize in complete eradication and structural proofing. We provide the most comprehensive rodent control Dublin services for homes, apartments, and commercial businesses across the region.
Why DIY Traps Fail Without Expert Rodent Control Dublin
Many property owners waste money on retail rat poisons and snap traps. While these might catch one or two pests, they ignore the root cause of the problem: how are they getting in?
Without finding and sealing the entry points, the infestation will just keep returning. By hiring our rodent control Dublin experts, you get a permanent solution. We utilize advanced techniques, including CCTV drain surveys, to identify collapsed pipes or hidden structural faults where rats are entering your property from the sewers.
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• FREE QUOTATIONS
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Many customers contact us after noticing early warning signs of rodent activity in their property.
Common signs include:
- scratching noises in walls or under floors
- rodent droppings in cupboards or storage areas
- gnaw marks on food packaging or wood
- grease marks along walls or skirting boards
- sightings of rats or mice around the property
If you notice any of these signs, a professional rodent control inspection can confirm the presence of rodents and identify the source of the infestation.
Rats Under Floors – A Common Hidden Problem
One of the most common rodent problems we investigate in Dublin homes is rats under floors.
Homeowners often hear scratching beneath floorboards but cannot see where the rats are entering the building.
In many cases the infestation originates from damaged drain pipes beneath the property.
Rats are strong swimmers and frequently travel through sewer systems. When a drain pipe becomes cracked or displaced, rats can escape from the pipe network and enter the structure of a building.
If you suspect rats under floors, our technicians can inspect the property and determine whether the infestation originates from structural entry points or rats entering through drains.
Understanding Rodents – The Hidden Invaders
Two species cause the majority of problems in Ireland:
- Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) – also known as the brown rat or sewer rat.
- House Mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) – small, inquisitive, and highly adaptable.
Both thrive around human environments where food and shelter are readily available. They nest in roof voids, wall cavities, basements, and sewers—often unnoticed until the population has grown.
Rodents are intelligent, agile, and prolific breeders.
- A single female mouse can have up to 8 litters per year, averaging 6 pups per litter.
- A female rat produces 6–11 young every 3 weeks and can breed again within two days of giving birth.
Without control, a few rodents can quickly turn into a full-scale infestation.
Signs of a Rodent Infestation
Look for these common indicators of rats or mice in your property:
- Noises: Scratching, squeaking, or scampering in ceilings, walls, or under floors—mainly at night.
- Droppings: Mouse droppings are 3–6 mm long; rat droppings are around 12 mm. Both are dark and tapered at one end.
- Gnaw marks: Fresh tooth marks on wood, wiring, skirting boards, and plastic containers.
- Smell: A persistent musky odour indicates long-standing activity.
- Grease smears: Dirty rub marks along skirting or pipes from oily fur.
- Burrows and holes: Particularly near foundations, sheds, or compost heaps.
- Tracks and footprints: In dusty areas, you may see footprints or tail swipes.
If you notice any of these, contact Owl Pest Control for a rapid rodent inspection.
PROBLEMS
SOLUTIONS
Rodent Control Includes
Mice and Rats are responsible for:
- Making loud noises at night in the attic or inside walls
- Leaving pungent urine smell and droppings behind
- Carrying diseases such as typhus fever and leptospirosis
- Gnawing through wiring which may cause fires
- Destroying belongings and property
- Contaminating food with droppings hair & urine
- Carrying ticks or fleas which can harm humans and pets
- Dying under floorboards and walls cavities causing foul odours
Professional Rodent Inspection
Effective rodent control begins with a careful inspection of the property.
During an inspection our technicians will keep rats and mice out of your home…
- By Blocking all entry points to the building.
- By inspecting the walls and foundations of your home and repairing with expanding foam or masonry materials
- By Carrying out CCTV drain surveys and Smoke tests of the sewer system
- By inspecting and sealing joints around windows and doorsills
- By covering gaps between exterior walls and roof fascia boards
- By blocking gaps around air vents and plumbing access points
Understanding how rodents access the building allows us to recommend the most effective treatment strategy.
Fast Emergency Rodent Response Today
Why choosing Owl Pest Control for your rat and mice control?
Owl Pest Control emergency rodent control service is available same day most of the time, i.e. Monday to Saturday in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Kildare counties. Our team of licensed and experienced specialists will inspect your property, assess and remediate rodent issues on-site, including housekeeping and proofing recommendations.
FREE QUOTATION:
We will explain all costs involved in the removal of rats or mice from your home while we determine the entry points rodents are using.
PREVENTION OF RODENTS:
We can help you proof your home structure so rodents can't get in causing stress damage and the mess from droppings and urine.
FOLLOW UPS:
We will be back to eradicate and take away trapped or dead rodents and fix any further damage they may cause after our initial treatment.
ONGOING PROTECTION:
We offer scheduled inspections programmes so that you don't have to worry about rodents ever again.
How to Get Rid of Rodents Effectively
DIY traps and supermarket poisons rarely resolve an infestation. They target only visible activity and often leave the breeding source untouched.
The fastest and safest way to get rid of rodents is through professional intervention by a qualified pest technician.
Our Rodent Control Process
- Inspection & Identification
We determine whether you’re dealing with rats, mice, or both, and locate entry points, nests, and food sources. - Treatment Programme
Our licensed rat and mouse trappers use advanced control methods such as secured bait stations, snap traps, and remote monitoring where appropriate. - Drain Survey & Structural Check
Many rodent infestations originate from damaged drains. We conduct CCTV rat drain inspections and smoke tests to uncover hidden access points. - Proofing & Repairs
We seal openings, repair vents, and install stainless-steel mesh to prevent re-entry. - Follow-Up & Monitoring
We revisit to ensure full eradication and provide maintenance options for long-term prevention.
By integrating pest control and drain expertise, Owl Pest Control provides complete, lasting protection.
Rodent Damage from Drain Issues
Cracked or misaligned sewer pipes are a major cause of rodent infestations.
Rats travel through drainage systems and emerge through gaps around toilets, manholes, or broken AJs.
Our in-house drainage team offers:
- CCTV Drain Surveys – identifying cracks, leaks, and rodent entry points.
- Smoke Testing – locating breaks behind walls or under floors.
- Pipe Relining & Repair – sealing access routes permanently.
- High-Pressure Jetting – removing blockages and grease that attract rodents.
Find out more on our Drain Pipe Surveys & Repairs page.
Damages By Rodents
Rats and mice follow and attack and contaminate our food from fields, orchards, livestock facilities, all the way through transport, storage & processing, and finishing in restaurants, supermarkets, and our homes. They also spoil tons of food by contaminating it with their excrement, urine and fur.
This pipe was taken from a flooded apartment
In buildings and homes rodents damage doors, ceilings, floors and walls as a result of their burrowing and gnawing activity. They also regularly chew on electrical wiring and utility pipes which have resulted in explosions, fires, indoor flooding, equipment loss, and power shortages.
Only two types are considered a major pest in Ireland: the Norway rat and the house mouse.
Rodent Proofing & Prevention Tips
Once your infestation is cleared, prevention is vital to avoid recurrence.
Follow these proven steps from our Rodent Proofing & Repairs service.
- Seal holes around pipes, cables, and air vents with metal mesh or concrete.
- Trim vegetation and clear clutter near walls.
- Store food in sealed containers; empty bins regularly.
- Keep drainage systems maintained and inspected.
- Replace damaged plastic air vents with metal covers.
- Repair roof gaps and fascia boards.
- Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outdoors overnight.
Our team can carry out full property proofing to ensure rodents cannot re-enter.
Rodents vs DIY Methods
| DIY Approach | Professional Rodent Control (Owl Pest Control Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Temporary relief; limited access to effective baits | Comprehensive eradication and proofing |
| No drain or building expertise | Full drain, structure, and pest integration |
| Unsafe handling of poisons | Certified technicians using regulated materials |
| Often incomplete and recurring | Guaranteed results and follow-ups |
Health pests rodents
Mice and Rats have been responsible for the spread of many diseases to people and domestic animals, mainly due to their habits of leaving and travelling in sewers, garbage, etc. There are several rodent-transmitted diseases which cause concern such as leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), salmonellosis, plague, murine typhus, rat-bite fever, and hantaviruses which are now discussed widely in the context of coronavirus pandemic.
Some people also develop an allergic reaction to rat or house mice droppings, which can be responsible for asthma-related symptoms.
Rodent Biology & Reproduction
Rat vs Mice droppings size comparison
Adult mice weight 15-30g and rats 250-500g. Mice are very inquisitive and walk around 200 metres per day. A single mouse can also produce 40 to 100 droppings per day so their presence can create a lot of problems very quickly.
Rodents are very successful breeders. Every three weeks a female mouse produces between 4 and 7 pups per litter (8-12 for rats) and will typically have a total of 8 litters in her lifetime (1 to 2 years). This means that rodent colonies can grow very rapidly.
Rodents consume most types of food. Rats eat 22-30g of food per day and mice 3 to 5g
Rat teeth can chew through metal
Rodents are successful because of their ability to adapt quickly to any sort of environment. They are omnivorous and mostly active at night when they can’t be noticed by people. This makes them difficult to control.
Using rat and mice poison on its own is rarely enough. Effective control of rat or mice infestation requires an integrated approach in structural pest control operations involving inspections, sanitation, rodent-proofing, trapping and rodenticide programs to reduce their numbers quickly.
For the most effective solution call your local pest management expert.
Why Choose Owl Pest Control for Rodent Control in Dublin
- Trusted Since 1998: Serving homes and businesses across Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, and Kildare.
- Qualified & Licensed: Certified by DAFM, CRRU Ireland, and members of IPCA, NPTA, and BPCA.
- Expert Team: Field Biologists and senior technicians with over 15 years’ experience.
- Integrated Solutions: Combining pest control, drain repair, and proofing expertise.
- Fast Response: Same-day call-outs available Monday to Saturday.
- Transparent Pricing: Free quotations and clear reports—no hidden charges.
- Ongoing Protection: Scheduled maintenance programmes to keep properties rodent-free.
Explore our full range of Pest Control Services HERE
Don’t let rats or mice cause costly damage or risk your health.
Call Owl Pest Control now on 014523680 for a free rodent control quotation or to book an inspection.
Areas We Serve
We provide rodent control services across Leinster and:
Dublin South including: Dundrum, Rathfarnham, Sandyford, Stillorgan, Dartry, Milltown, Rathmines, Ranelagh, Dublin 2, Dublin 4, Dublin City Centre.
Dublin North including: Ballyfermot, Chapelizod, Castleknock, Cabra, Drumcondra, Beaumont, Raheny
and surrounding areas.
If you need rodent control in Dublin, our technicians can inspect your property and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
ASK A PEST CONTROL SPECIALIST
Frequently Asked Questions
► How do I know if I have rats in my house?
Common signs include scratching noises under floors or in walls, rat droppings, gnaw marks on food packaging, grease marks along walls and sightings of rodents.
► Can rats enter houses through drains?
Yes. Rats are strong swimmers and often travel through sewer systems. If drain pipes are damaged or displaced, rats can escape from the drainage network and enter the building.
► What is the difference between rat control and mouse control?
Rats and mice behave differently and require different control methods. Professional pest control technicians identify the species and apply the most appropriate treatment.
► How long does rodent control take?
The duration depends on the severity of the infestation and the structure of the property. Some infestations can be resolved quickly, while others may require follow-up visits.
► Are rodent control treatments safe for pets?
Yes. Professional pest control treatments are applied according to strict safety guidelines. Our technicians also provide advice to ensure pets remain safe during treatment.
