Every week, homeowners and businesses across King County call us in a panic: “I hear scratching in my walls.”“I just found droppings in my kitchen.”“Something chewed through my car wiring overnight.” If you live in Seattle, Bellevue, Sammamish, Redmond, or any Eastside city, you are in prime rodent territory. Mice and rats are more than just a nuisance they spread disease, chew through wires, and cause expensive structural damage if not stopped quickly. Why Rodent Problems Spike in King County Rodent activity surges in spring and fall as changing weather drives them indoors. Your home or business offers the perfect mix of warmth, food, and nesting material. Weather Shifts: Rain and cold drive rodents out of burrows. Food Access: Pet food, garbage bins, and pantries attract them. Entry Points: Gaps as small as ¼ inch allow mice inside. Even new construction homes and clean commercial kitchens aren’t immune  if there’s a way in, rodents will find it. Signs of Rats or Mice in Your Walls Scratching or scurrying noises at night Droppings along baseboards or under sinks Chewed wires, insulation, or stored items Strong ammonia-like odor from urine Greasy rub marks on walls or beams If you notice one or more of these, you likely have an active infestation. DIY Prevention Checklist (Homes & Businesses) Take these steps today to reduce your risk: Seal Entry Points: Fill cracks with steel wool and caulk around pipes, vents, and foundations. Store Food Securely: Keep pet food and pantry items in sealed containers. Manage Garbage: Use lidded bins and take trash out regularly. Trim Vegetation: Keep shrubs and wood piles at least 12 inches away from the house. Fix Leaks: Standing water attracts rodents and pests. If you still hear activity after sealing and cleaning, you need a professional inspection. Professional Rodent Control in King County AMPM Exterminators provides full-service rodent control, not just traps. Our process includes: Detailed Inspection: Crawl space, attic, garage, and kitchen checks. Rodent Exclusion: Sealing all entry points so rodents can’t return. Baiting & Removal: Targeted stations that safely eliminate the colony. Sanitation & Odor Control: Cleaning droppings and contaminated insulation. Follow-Up: Ensuring your home or business stays rodent-free. Learn more about our Rodent Control Process » King County Cities We Serve Seattle (Wallingford, Ballard, West Seattle) Bellevue & Kirkland Sammamish & Issaquah Redmond & Bothell Kent, Renton & Tukwila Whether it’s a single-family home, condo HOA, restaurant, or warehouse we have plans for both residential and commercial clients. FAQs: King County Rodent Problems Q: Are rats dangerous?A: Yes they can carry salmonella, hantavirus, and other diseases. Learn about rodent cleanup safety here. Q: I hear scratching in my attic. What should I do first?A: Schedule a rodent inspection before they breed and cause wiring damage. Q: Do you offer same-day service?A: Yes, we offer emergency pest control in Seattle and King County. Act Fast Before Damage Spreads The longer you wait, the more costly the damage becomes. Droppings, chewed wires, and gnawed framing can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. 📞 Call AMPM Exterminators today at 206-571-7580 for a same day rodent inspection in King County.Or request your inspection online »