Do I Need a Rodent Exterminator or Can I Handle It Myself?

You hear a scuffle in the wall.
A scratching under the floorboards.
You tell yourself it’s probably nothing.

But it isn’t.
You’ve got rodents.

And now you’re wondering—do you need a professional rodent exterminator? Or can you handle it yourself with a trip to the hardware store and a hopeful handful of snap traps?

Let’s break down what’s really at stake—and why homeowners across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and beyond are turning to Talent Pest Control for results they can trust.

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The Trap Trap: Why DIY Fails More Than It Wins

Rodents don’t play fair.

They’re intelligent, adaptable, and incredibly good at hiding. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime. Rats chew through wood, drywall—even plastic pipes. Once they’re inside, they multiply fast, nest deep, and outsmart most over-the-counter baits.

Here’s the dirty secret:
Even if your traps work, they only kill the ones you see—not the dozens you don’t.

Research from Rutgers University and the University of Kentucky has shown that DIY rodent control methods often result in partial or temporary relief, not full elimination. Most homeowners spend more money over time trying to resolve infestations themselves than if they had called a professional from the start.

Why?
Because elimination isn’t enough. You need to seal up access points, identify nesting zones, and remove food sources. That takes time, experience, and the kind of attention to detail that big box traps and foggers just can’t deliver.

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So… What Does a Rodent Exterminator Actually Do?

Let’s be clear: Talent Pest Control is not just a “set some traps and leave” kind of company.

We’re trained in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—the gold standard in long-term pest control.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Inspection – We don’t guess. We investigate. Our technicians crawl crawlspaces, check attics, and find the exact points where rodents are getting in.
• Exclusion – We seal off access points with materials rodents can’t chew through—so once they’re out, they stay out.
• Sanitation & Habitat Modification – We identify the attractants: standing water, pet food, clutter, garbage access, insulation gaps.
• Targeted Trapping – No random placement. We position traps based on rodent behavior and biology—maximizing success.
• Ongoing Monitoring – We follow up. Because your peace of mind doesn’t end when the first mouse is gone.

Learn more about our team’s philosophy and why homeowners trust us on our About Us page.

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Rodents in Virginia: Who’s Really Behind the Walls?

Virginia homes are no strangers to rats and mice—but different rodents mean different risks.

• Norway Rats: Big, bulky, and burrow-loving. They thrive in basements and under porches. Known to gnaw wires, causing fire risks.
• Roof Rats: Slimmer climbers who love your attic. Common in coastal cities like Virginia Beach.
• House Mice: Fast breeders. Just one female can produce over 50 mice a year—indoors, year-round.
• White-Footed Mice: Found on the rural edges of Hampton Roads. Not only a nuisance, but a carrier of Lyme disease via infected ticks.

Many of our competitors mention this in passing. At Talent, we build our plans around it—so your treatment is targeted to the exact rodent you’re dealing with.

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How Talent Pest Control Stands Apart

Here’s what we don’t do:

Lock you into long contracts

Disappear after one visit

Drench your home in chemicals

Treat your problem like it’s just another ticket

And here’s what we do:

Deliver Accurate, Honest, Fast service

Use eco-conscious, low-toxicity treatments that protect your home and your pets

Train our team locally—not just in product knowledge, but in respect and professionalism

Guarantee follow-up support that doesn’t cost you extra

We’re not some nationwide brand using the same plan in Portland and Portsmouth.
We’re from here. We live here. And we treat your home like it’s our own.

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