If you live in Olympia, you know the damp forests and rivers of western Washington attract lots of wildlife. That same setting can draw unwanted critters into your home when the weather turns cold. From rats and mice to voles and pocket gophers, Olympia sees steady rodent activity year-round.
Rodents are not just a nuisance. They damage property, chew wires, and can spread germs such as salmonella. Droppings in crawl spaces or basements can cause breathing problems if you do not clean them properly.
This guide shows which rodents are common in Olympia homes, how to spot the signs, and when to call for rodent control.
Key Takeaways:
- Olympia’s most common rodents include Norway rats, roof rats, deer mice, house mice, voles, and pocket gophers.
- Rodents enter homes through small entry points near crawl spaces and basements.
- Droppings, chew marks, and scratching noises at night are key signs of infestation.
- Safe, professional pest control services in Olympia and Seattle ensure lasting protection for your home.
Common Rodents in Olympia and Western Washington
Olympia sits in Thurston County, surrounded by woods, wetlands, and farmland. This mix is a perfect home for several rodent species.
If you see droppings, gnaw marks, or burrows, one of these species may already be inside.
At PCI Pest Control, we offer rodent control in Olympia, WA, built for local homes. Our licensed technicians identify the species, locate entry points, and create a custom plan to remove them and prevent new infestations.
Norway Rats
Norway rats are among the most destructive rodents in Washington State. These large rats dig deep burrows near foundations, woodpiles, or sheds, and often enter basements through broken vents or foundation cracks. Their blunt-tipped droppings and greasy rub marks along walls are clear indicators of their presence.
These rats are strong swimmers, which explains why they’re also common near waterfront areas around Puget Sound and downtown Olympia.
Without proper rat control, Norway rats can damage insulation, chew electrical wiring, and contaminate food sources in garages and kitchens.
Roof Rats
Roof rats are frequent intruders throughout the Puget Sound region, from Olympia up through Seattle. Unlike Norway rats, they prefer elevated areas such as attics, wall voids, and ceilings. Sleek, dark-colored, and with long tails, they often travel along power lines and roof edges to enter through vents or shingles.
Common signs of rodents in Olympia attics include chew marks on wires, wood, and storage bins.
Once inside, they tear through insulation and leave droppings in attic corners. Because roof rats reproduce quickly, infestations can grow rapidly without prompt pest control. Professional exclusion and attic sealing are often necessary to thoroughly remove them.
Preventing Rodents from Entering Your Home
Keeping rodents out takes cleaning, upkeep, and exclusion. Warmth, food, and shelter attract them, especially in Olympia’s wet, chilly seasons. Make your home less inviting.
Seal gaps with steel mesh, caulk, or concrete. Learn what size hole mice and rats can fit through before you start sealing. Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. Mice can fit through a dime-sized hole. Check spots where plumbing and utility lines enter the home.
Store pet food, bird seed, and livestock feed in sealed bins. Outside, trim shrubs, clear thick plants, and move wood piles at least 20 feet from the foundation. Cut low tree limbs that give roof rats easy access.
Not sure where rodents get in? Our team at PCI Pest Control can help. During an inspection, we check crawl spaces, vents, and foundation gaps, then install durable exclusion materials. This work blocks rodents and also keeps out pests such as raccoons, fleas, and skunks.
Step-by-Step: Seal Common Entry Points
- Walk around your home with a flashlight.
- Check vents, pipes, and crawl space doors for gaps.
- Stuff holes with steel mesh or copper wool.
- Seal with caulk or mortar.
- Reinspect after 1 week to confirm there are no new openings.
Safe Cleanup After Rodents
If you see burrows, gnaw marks, or droppings, do not clean them yourself, especially if deer mice or raccoons may be involved. Sweeping or vacuuming can release harmful particles into the air. Droppings, urine, and nesting material can carry germs, including hantavirus and Salmonella, which spread when disturbed.
Safe cleanup takes the right gear and training. Regular cleaners may not disinfect dirty areas, and household vacuums can make things worse by spreading germs in the air.
Instead, contact a licensed pest control company to inspect, sanitize, and treat the area safely.
Our trained technicians follow approved safety steps and use protective gear and disinfectants to remove contamination. After treatment, your home is rodent-free and safe for your family and pets.
Professional Rodent Control and Exclusion in Olympia
At PCI Pest Control, we provide safe, effective rodent control in Olympia, Seattle, and nearby communities. Our licensed technicians start with a full inspection to find entry points, burrows, and nests.
Depending on your needs, our rodent control plan may include:
- Sealing all identified entry points
- Setting targeted traps in crawl spaces or attics
- Cleaning droppings and disinfecting affected areas
- Recommending ongoing protection through our All Seasons Protection Plan
Every home is different, so we build a custom rodent control plan for each Olympia property. Our treatments are family- and pet-friendly, using approved products and careful exclusion. From Norway rats to voles, we keep your home protected year-round.
Because rodents breed quickly, professional follow-up matters. Whether you have one Norway rat or a long-term infestation, our technicians use proven exclusion methods for results that last.
We also help with related wildlife problems, from raccoons in attics to skunks near foundations. Every treatment follows state and local rules for safe, humane handling.
Making the Right Rodent Control Choice for Olympia Homeowners
Rodents are part of the Pacific Northwest, but they do not belong in your home. Knowing which types live in Olympia, WA, helps you act before an infestation grows.
From Norway rats and deer mice to voles and pocket gophers, each brings its own challenges. Your best defense is steady prevention, strong exclusion, and help from experienced pros.
PCI Pest Control proudly serves Olympia, Thurston County, Tacoma, and Lacey, helping homeowners stay protected year-round.
Contact us today or request a free quote to schedule your rodent inspection and keep your home pest-free.
FAQs
What attracts rodents to Olympia homes?
Warmth, shelter, and food attract rodents. Accessible pet food, bird feeders, and open garbage cans are some of the most common attractants in Olympia and Seattle neighborhoods.
Are roof rats and Norway rats found in the same areas?
Yes. While Norway rats burrow near the ground, roof rats prefer higher spaces, such as attics and trees. Many homes in western Washington face both species at once, making professional exclusion necessary.
How can I prevent voles and gophers from damaging my yard?
Keep lawns trimmed, remove thick mulch or vegetation, and monitor for fresh soil mounds. If tunneling persists, a pest control company can apply exclusion barriers and targeted treatments to safely stop it.
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