Rodent Prevention and Control

Think you have a rodent problem?

The District CANNOT conduct trapping or baiting on residential properties, but we CAN:

Inspect homes and businesses for evidence of rodent infestation
Provide an impartial written report on evidence of rodent infestation and any needed actions
Provide education and advice on controlling and excluding commensal rodents
Provide presentations and training for groups and organizations

The information our trained technicians provide is free and can help reduce costs relating to rodent control. If you wish additional assistance with baiting and trapping, please contact a licensed pest control company.

In some cities, the District may already be conducting rodent control in creeks and public areas. For more information about this, please contact the District office by calling 650-344-8592 or emailing info@smcmvcd.org.

Drawing of the outside of a yellow house with a tree, trash can, garage, and chimney. The various possible entrances for rodents are pointed out. Please call 650-344-8594 if you would like detailed information about the many ways rats can enter houses.

Rodent Prevention

Rodents are very clever about entering your home, but there are some common entry points that you can keep an eye out for. Be aware that any gap greater than ¼ inch could potentially admit a rodent, so look closely when you do an inspection!

Rodent Trapping and Chemical Control

Trapping and chemical control (also called baiting or rodenticiding) will only temporarily control rodents if no rodent proofing is done. Trapping and chemical control of rodents should be done after rodent proofing is completed.

Drawing of the top-down view of a rat mite. The mite has light brown legs and a dark brown body, with a few light lines in the body showing what the squiggly digestive tract looks like inside the mite. The mite has 8 legs - two pairs are on the front end of its body and two pairs are on the back end.

Rat Mites

Sometimes rat mites are also a problem during a rat infestation. If you are experiencing 'mystery bites' during or after a rat problem in your house, click here to read and learn more about mites.

Vector image of a white truck with a closed back of truck that has little images of pests with red circles and crossed lines over them. A pest control truck.

Selecting a Private Pest Control Operator (PCO)

If you choose to hire a private pest control operator (PCO), there are a few things you can do to ensure that you are hiring a reputable, trustworthy company or individual. In addition to the ones listed below, visit the UC IPM webpage to learn more.

Website Accessibility Statement

San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (the "District") is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the District strives to provide an accessible website compatible with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, AA, and commercial screen reading software. Features of the website are created to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without disabilities.

If you need any special assistance or accommodations:

Contact our compliance support team via telephone at: (888) 765-1970

Ongoing Compliance Information

Compliance Coordinator

The District has designated a Compliance Coordinator for website disability-related accommodations. The Compliance Coordinator has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best practices and requirements.

Compliance Procedures

The District is working to ensure all website content complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and controlling State laws. In an ongoing effort to continually improve and remediate accessibility issues, the website is regularly scanned to ensure ongoing compliance, and timely changes are made to any inaccessible content if found.

Accessible Documents Policy

The District is committed to providing all documents hosted on the website in an accessible format or making accessible alternatives available.

Linked Documents and Third Parties

Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites that do not have accessible content. This site may also include documents provided by third parties. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.

Report a Website Accessibility Issue

We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests in a timely manner. If you need assistance or accommodations while accessing content on this website, please contact our Compliance Coordinator via the form below: