Silver Bullet Pest ControlRat Control in NJ: Find the Burrows, Remove the Rats, Seal the Way In
Burrows along the foundation, gnawed garbage cans, something heavy running in the basement ceiling? Rats are a different problem from mice: bigger, more cautious and usually tied to an outdoor food source and burrow system. Silver Bullet Pest Control finds where they live and how they get in, removes them, and seals the openings with steel and other materials rats can't chew.
4.9 stars on Google • NJ License 90568B • 15+ years • Based in Garfield • Same-day often available • Hablamos español
Text a photo of the droppings or burrow to 973-510-2585 and we'll tell you if it's rats.
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What is the best rat control in NJ?
The best rat control in NJ combines three things: a thorough inspection to find burrows, runways and entry points; removal with traps inside and locked, tamper-resistant stations outside where they make sense; and sealing every opening with steel and other chew-proof materials. Poison or traps alone rarely end a rat problem because new rats keep moving in. Silver Bullet Pest Control, based in Garfield, handles all three steps and comes back to check results. Call or text 973-510-2585.
Norway rats vs. roof rats in New Jersey
Nearly all the rats we deal with in North Jersey are Norway rats. Roof rats are far less common here. Here's how they compare:
| Norway rat | Roof rat | |
|---|---|---|
| How common in North Jersey | The main rat we see | Uncommon |
| Body | Heavy, thick body, blunt nose, short tail | Slimmer, pointed nose, tail longer than the body |
| Where it lives | Burrows in the ground, basements, crawl spaces, sewers | Up high: trees, attics, upper floors |
| Droppings | Large, blunt-ended | Smaller, pointed ends |
| Typical signs | Burrows by foundations, sheds, decks, trash areas | Noises in the attic, runs along wires and fences |
Heard something in the attic? Norway rats can climb too, and squirrels and mice are common up there. See mice vs. rats and attic noises to narrow it down.
Yard rats, garage rats and basement rats
Rats follow food, water and shelter. These are the three places we find them most:
Yards, decks and sheds
- Burrow holes 2 to 4 inches wide
- Smooth, packed trails along fences and walls
- Gnawed garbage cans and compost bins
Norway rats dig burrows under decks, sheds, patios and along foundations, close to bird feeders, gardens, pet food and garbage. The burrow system tells us where to focus.
Garages and storage areas
- Droppings along walls and behind boxes
- Chewed bags of birdseed, grass seed or pet food
- Gnawing at the bottom of the garage door
A garage with a worn door seal, stored food and clutter is a perfect shelter. Rats often move from the garage into the house through gaps around pipes and walls.
Basements and walls
- Heavy running in the basement ceiling
- Grease marks along walls and pipes
- Gaps around utility lines and vents
Inside, rats travel along walls, pipes and beams. They come in through gaps around utility lines, damaged vents, foundation cracks and door bottoms.
Signs you have rats, not mice
Big droppings
Rat droppings are large and blunt, roughly the size of a raisin or bigger. Mouse droppings are small and pointed, like rice.
Burrows
Holes along foundations, under sheds, decks and patios, often with fresh dirt pushed out.
Heavy noise
Thumping and running, often in the basement, the walls near the floor or the garage.
Big gnaw marks
Chewed wood, plastic, garbage cans and even soft metal. Rat gnawing is rougher and larger than mouse damage.
Don't sweep droppings dry. Wet them first, wear gloves and wipe them up. More here: rodent droppings cleanup.
How professional rat control works
Inspect inside and outside
We walk the property and the building: burrows, runways, trash areas, the foundation, utility lines, vents, the garage, the basement and any sewer or drain clues.
Remove the rats
Traps inside, placed where children and pets can't reach them. Outside, locked, tamper-resistant stations where they make sense.
Seal entry points with steel
Gaps around pipes, wires, vents, doors and foundations are closed with steel mesh, metal and other materials rats can't chew.
Fix what attracts them
We show you the food, water and shelter around your property — feeders, compost, open trash, wood piles and clutter — so new rats don't move in.
Follow up
We return to check activity, adjust traps and stations, and make sure the seal is holding.
More on sealing: rodent exclusion with stainless steel mesh and rodent proofing and exclusion.
Sewer rats and rats coming up through drains
In older North Jersey towns, some rats live in sewer lines and storm drains and enter buildings through plumbing problems. Signs include:
- Rats in the basement with no outside entry you can find.
- Activity around floor drains, cleanouts or under a basement bathroom.
- Rats showing up after heavy rain, when sewers and burrows flood.
We inspect for these signs and seal what we can, like openings around pipes and loose drain covers. If the cause is a broken sewer line or a damaged pipe underground, that repair is a job for a licensed plumber; we'll explain what we found so you know what to ask them to check.
Rain and rats: read does rain bring out rats?
Rat control for restaurants, warehouses and commercial buildings
Commercial properties attract rats with dumpsters, deliveries, food storage and loading docks. Rat activity can also show up during health inspections. In New Jersey, restaurant inspection placards are rated Satisfactory, Conditionally Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory, and rodent signs are something inspectors look for.
- Scheduled service around your hours.
- Locked stations outside, traps and monitors inside at doors, storage and kitchens.
- Door sweeps, dock seals and wall penetrations checked and sealed.
- A written record of every visit for inspections and audits.
See our commercial pest control and restaurant pest control pages. Construction or demolition coming up? See pre-demolition rodent extermination.
DIY rat control: what works and what doesn't
| Method | Does it work? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Snap traps | Sometimes | Rats are cautious of new objects, so placement and patience matter. Fine for one rat, not a colony. |
| Store-bought poison | Risky | Rats can die in walls and smell, and loose bait is dangerous to pets, kids and wildlife. |
| Ultrasonic devices | No | Rats get used to the sound. |
| Peppermint and other scents | No | Not a barrier; rats ignore them when food is nearby. |
| Steel mesh and metal patches | Yes, if every gap is found | Sealing is what keeps rats out long-term. |
| Removing food and clutter | Yes | Less food and shelter means fewer rats moving in. |
Compare methods in more detail: rat poison vs. traps and what keeps rats away.
What affects the cost of rat control (and what coverage includes)
Rat jobs are quoted after the inspection, and the quote is free. These factors change the price:
| Factor | Smaller job | Bigger job |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | A rat or two, recently noticed | An established colony with many burrows |
| Property | Single-family home | Multi-family, restaurant, warehouse |
| Entry points | A few gaps | Many gaps, foundation openings, damaged vents |
| Outside conditions | Clean yard, closed trash | Dumpsters, feeders, wood piles, neighbor activity |
| Follow-up | A few check visits | Ongoing commercial service |
Coverage note: our 90 days of coverage with unlimited free service calls applies to mouse service. Rat plans, follow-up visits and any coverage are explained in your quote. See rat exterminator prices and costs.
Rat control in your town
We have pages for many of the towns we serve:
Get a Free Rat Control Quote
Tell us what you're seeing and where — burrows, droppings, noises or chewing — and send a photo if you can. We'll explain the plan and give you a free quote.
Why North Jersey calls us for rats
- Burrows along the foundation or under the deck
- Rats in the garage or basement
- Rats around the restaurant dumpster
- Rats after construction next door
- A rat problem that keeps coming back
Request Service
🔒 Your info stays private · Hablamos español.
Rat Control Questions
How do I get rid of rats permanently?
Rats are gone for good only when they're removed and the openings are sealed. That means finding every entry point and sealing it with steel or other chew-proof materials, and cutting down the food and shelter around the property. Traps or poison alone leave the door open for new rats.
How long does it take to get rid of rats?
Many homes see a big drop in activity within a few weeks once removal and sealing are done. Larger colonies, commercial properties or homes near a heavy outside source can take longer, which is why follow-up visits matter.
Are rats common in New Jersey?
Yes. Norway rats are common across North Jersey, especially near older buildings, rivers and brooks, restaurants, construction sites and anywhere with open trash. Roof rats are much less common here.
Do you use poison for rat control?
Inside the home we use traps placed where children and pets can't reach them. Outside, locked, tamper-resistant stations are used where they make sense. We'll explain what we're placing and why.
Is there a warranty on rat control?
Our 90 days of coverage with unlimited free service calls is for mouse service. Rat plans and follow-up visits are explained in your quote, so you know what's included before we start.
What smells or products keep rats away?
No smell keeps hungry rats away for long. Peppermint, mothballs and ultrasonic devices don't work as barriers. Sealing entry points and removing food and shelter are what actually work.
Can rats come up through the toilet or drains?
It can happen, mostly in older buildings with damaged sewer lines or open drains. If you see rats in the basement with no outside entry, have the plumbing checked; we'll seal what we can and tell you what we found.
Why do I see rats after it rains?
Heavy rain floods burrows and sewers, so rats move to drier spots like garages, basements and under decks. Rat activity after storms is common in low areas near rivers and brooks.
Do you offer same-day rat control?
Same-day appointments are often available, especially in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Call or text 973-510-2585 and we'll tell you how soon we can get there.
What areas do you serve for rat control?
We're based in Garfield and serve Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. We also serve towns in Morris and Union counties; those visits are scheduled ahead, and same-day is sometimes possible.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. Hablamos español. Llame o mande un texto al 973-510-2585 si ve ratas en su casa o negocio.
Rat control across North Jersey
Based in Garfield, we handle rat control throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.
Our service area
Bergen County
973-510-2585- Allendale
- Bergenfield
- Bogota
- Carlstadt
- Cliffside Park
- Closter
- Cresskill
- Demarest
- Dumont
- East Rutherford
- Edgewater
- Elmwood Park
- Emerson
- Englewood
- Englewood Cliffs
- Fair Lawn
- Fairview
- Fort Lee
- Franklin Lakes
- Garfield
- Glen Rock
- Hackensack
- Harrington Park
- Hasbrouck Heights
- Haworth
- Hillsdale
- Ho-Ho-Kus
- Leonia
- Little Ferry
- Lodi
- Lyndhurst
- Mahwah
- Maywood
- Midland Park
- Montvale
- Moonachie
- New Milford
- North Arlington
- Northvale
- Norwood
- Oakland
- Old Tappan
- Oradell
- Palisades Park
- Paramus
- Park Ridge
- Ramsey
- Ridgefield
- Ridgefield Park
- Ridgewood
- River Edge
- River Vale
- Rochelle Park
- Rutherford
- Saddle Brook
- Saddle River
- South Hackensack
- Teaneck
- Tenafly
- Teterboro
- Upper Saddle River
- Waldwick
- Wallington
- Washington Township
- Westwood
- Woodcliff Lake
- Wood-Ridge
- Wyckoff
Passaic County
973-510-2585- Bloomingdale
- Clifton
- Haledon
- Hawthorne
- Little Falls
- North Haledon
- Passaic
- Paterson
- Pompton Lakes
- Prospect Park
- Ringwood
- Totowa
- Wanaque
- Wayne
- West Milford
- Woodland Park
Essex County
973-510-2585- Belleville
- Bloomfield
- Caldwell
- Cedar Grove
- East Orange
- Essex Fells
- Fairfield
- Glen Ridge
- Irvington
- Livingston
- Maplewood
- Millburn
- Montclair
- Newark
- North Caldwell
- Nutley
- Orange
- Roseland
- Short Hills
- South Orange
- Verona
- West Caldwell
- West Orange
Hudson County
973-510-2585Union County
973-510-2585- Berkeley Heights
- Clark
- Cranford
- Elizabeth
- Fanwood
- Garwood
- Hillside
- Kenilworth
- Linden
- Mountainside
- New Providence
- Plainfield
- Rahway
- Roselle
- Roselle Park
- Scotch Plains
- Springfield
- Summit
- Union
- Westfield
Morris County
973-510-2585- Boonton
- Butler
- Cedar Knolls
- Chatham
- Denville
- Dover
- East Hanover
- Florham Park
- Hanover
- Kinnelon
- Lincoln Park
- Madison
- Mendham
- Montville
- Morris Plains
- Morristown
- Mountain Lakes
- Parsippany
- Pequannock
- Randolph
- Riverdale
- Rockaway
- Roxbury
- Whippany
Updated November 2026 by the Silver Bullet Pest Control team, Garfield, NJ • NJ License 90568B