Your free rat inspection.
The first step to nixing your rat problem starts with scheduling your free inspection.The first step to nixing your rat problem starts with scheduling your free inspection.
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Content Updated: May 7, 2026
A free rat inspection is an easy way to find out if rats are in your home and how serious the issue might be. Since rats can also carry diseases and leave behind contaminated droppings, inspecting for them on your own can put you at risk. Having a trained technician take a closer look can help determine what’s really going on and what to do next. Terminix rat exterminators are trained to spot the signs you might miss.
What happens during a rat inspection?
During a rat inspection, a technician will conduct a systematic, top-to-bottom sweep of your property's interior and exterior. They will systematically check common rodent hotspots, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and kitchens.
Terminix technicians may use specialized tools during your inspection, such as high-intensity flashlights, telescoping mirrors, moisture meters, and even thermal imaging. The time an inspection can take can vary depending on the size of your home and the severity of your pest problem.
What do technicians look for during a rat inspection?
A Terminix technician knows how to spot the hard-to-find signs of rats that most homeowners miss. To ensure nothing is overlooked, our technicians will inspect the interior and exterior of your home.
Interior signs of rats:
- Droppings: Feces can help indicate the species and whether the infestation is currently active.
- Gnaw marks: Freshly chewed wood, plastic, drywall, or electrical wires.
- Rub marks: Dark, greasy smudges along baseboards and walls left by the oils in rat fur.
- Nesting materials: Shredded paper, fabric, or pulled insulation.
Exterior signs of rats:
- Entry points: Any structural gap, crack, or hole larger than a quarter that could serve as a doorway.
- Burrows: Freshly dug holes in the soil, particularly near foundations, under debris, or beneath bushes.
- Runways: Distinct, flattened paths through grass or vegetation leading to the house.
- Rub marks: Dark, greasy smudges along exterior walls left by the oils in rat fur.
How can I prepare for a rat inspection?
To get the most out of your appointment, it helps to know exactly how to prepare for a rat control visit before the technician arrives. Here’s what you need to know:
- Prepare your house: Clear clutter away from walls in the garage, basement, and attic. Ensure the technician has unobstructed access to crawl space doors, attic hatches, and the areas beneath sinks.
- Secure your pets: Yes, pets can be around, but it’s best to keep them in a separate, closed room or a crate.
- Be present: Providing access to your entire home and sharing any activity you’ve spotted helps the technician focus exactly where it matters most.
- Provide background: Giving background information helps technicians tailor their approach. Some questions your technician may ask could include:
- When did you first notice rodents?
- Where are sightings occurring?
- Are activity patterns mainly during the day or night?
- Have you heard noises in the walls or the attic?
- Previous pest control attempts?
- Any water leaks or moisture issues?
- Have you noticed any unusual smells?
Questions to ask your technician about rat control
To help maximize your free rat inspection, you can also ask your technician questions about your specific situation. Here are some questions you may want to ask:
- What are my treatment options?
- How long will it take to eliminate the rats?
- Will follow-up visits be necessary?
- What is rat exclusion, and do I need it?
- What can I do to help prevent future rat infestations?
What happens if they find rats in your home?
If your technician confirms an active infestation during your home rat inspection, they will next walk you through a customized plan to help secure your home. Depending on your situation, your technician may recommend:
Rat control and removal
The immediate priority is eliminating the rodents currently living inside your home using strategically placed traps and baiting systems.
Rat exclusion
To prevent new rodents from taking their place, your technician may recommend an exclusion plan to seal the exterior entry points identified during the rat inspection.
Attic and crawl space insulation
If rats have contaminated insulation, your technician may recommend removal, sanitation, and reinstallation.
Understanding rat control plan costs
Since every home and infestation is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all price. The total cost of rat control can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and the treatment options recommended to help resolve your issue.
Is a rat inspection from Terminix really free?
Yes, your initial rat inspection from Terminix is free! Our priority is to thoroughly assess your property for rodent activity and design a targeted solution to eliminate the infestation.