What kind of rodents do we have in San Mateo County?

The most common nuisance rodents in San Mateo County are house mice and roof rats. You can learn more about these on our rodent identification page.

Other rodent species found in San Mateo County include deer mice and wood rats. These rarely cause nuisance to humans.

What diseases do rodents carry?

Rodents can carry a variety of diseases that can make people sick. You can learn more about them on our rodent-borne disease page.

Why do I still have rodents if I keep my property clean?

Rodents will be attracted to areas where there is food, water, and shelter. It is important to check your property very carefully to ensure that there are no rodent attractants. Remember, rodents will eat almost anything, and can gain access to your home through very, very small openings. If you need help inspecting your property, please fill out a service request. We can help you figure out what’s attracting the rodents and how they’re getting inside.

It is also possible that rodents are finding food, water, and shelter somewhere near your property. If you continue to have rodent problems, talk to your neighbors and make sure they know to rodent-proof their property, too.

How can I get rid of rodents on my property?

Check out this guide to rodent-proofing your property. If you still need help, fill out a service request. One of our technicians can provide you with a free inspection and suggestions for keeping rodents out of your home.

How do I know what kind of rodents are causing my problem?

You can find rodent identification information here. If you’re still not sure, one of our technicians can provide a free inspection to help you figure out what kind of rodents are causing your problem.

What are the signs of rodent infestation?

• rub and grease marks on walls/surfaces
• rodent droppings
• gnawing damage
• gnaw marks on fallen fruit
• rodent holes or burrows
• live or dead rodents
• rodent odors
• rodent sounds

Remember that you may not see rodents until the infestation has become severe. Regular inspection for signs of rodent infestation will help you identify any problems early, saving you time and money.

What should I do if I think my neighbor is the source of my rodent problem?

First, talk to your neighbor. They may not be aware of the problem, or may not know how to resolve it. Share the information from this site with them, or encourage them to request a rodent inspection. You will have the most success controlling a rodent infestation in your neighborhood if you and your neighbors work together.

District staff cannot write citations or force your neighbor to remove rodent attractants from their property. In most cases, residents cannot be forced to conduct rodent-proofing on their own property. For situations presenting a threat to human health or safety, you may also contact your city’s code enforcement department.

Can you trap and remove rodents on my property?

Sorry, we cannot do rodent-proofing, repair access points, or trap/bait rodents on private property. However, we CAN give you the information you need to do this yourself, or to hire a professional pest control operator if you prefer.