Island Pest Control
Rodent Control
Island Pest Control: Protecting Nanaimo homes and businesses from rats and mice since 1976. Rodents pose health and property risks: they carry disease, contaminate food, gnaw electrical wiring, destroy insulation, and accelerate structural deterioration. Island Pest Control delivers practical, humane, and effective rodent control services that prioritize occupant safety and long-term exclusion. Located at 998 Douglas Avenue, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6X8, we combine targeted trapping and baiting with exclusion work and sanitation guidance to solve current problems and prevent re-infestation.
Why each service matters
Transmit pathogens (Hantavirus, Salmonella, leptospirosis)
Contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine
Cause electrical fires by chewing wiring
Damaged building fabric, insulation, and stored goods
Multiply rapidly — what appears as a few signs often indicates more extensive activity
Ignoring rodent signs leads to escalating costs. A professional approach that combines removal, exclusion, and prevention is essential to stop recurrence and protect occupants and assets.
How Island Pest Control approaches rodent problems
Comprehensive inspection
01
We inspect both interior and exterior areas to find entry points, nesting areas, and signs of activity. Our inspection covers attics, crawl spaces, basements, garages, and surrounding grounds.
Source identification
02
We locate primary entry points — gaps around pipes, vents, foundation cracks, eaves, and areas where landscaping meets the building envelope.
Immediate removal
03
We use a combination of mechanical traps and bait stations — selected for safety and effectiveness — to remove active rodents. Traps are placed strategically in tamper-resistant ways to protect children and pets.
Exclusion services
04
The most important step in preventing recurrence is sealing entry points. We recommend and can perform exclusion work: installing metal flashing, repairing vents, sealing gaps with rodent-proof materials, and advising on door sweeps and screen repairs.
Sanitation and prevention
05
We provide specific guidance on food storage, waste management, landscape adjustments, and structural fixes to reduce attractants and harborage.
Follow-up and monitoring
06
After initial removal, we schedule follow-up visits to verify success and maintain monitoring stations where appropriate.
Control methods we use
Mechanical traps
snap traps, multi-catch traps, and live-capture traps when requested and appropriate.
Tamper-resistant bait stations
for secure rodenticide application where necessary; placed in protected areas to reduce non-target exposure.
Integrated exclusion
sealing gaps, installing metal sheathing, and repair recommendations.
Non-lethal options
humane live traps and relocation guidance (note: relocation is regulated and may be restricted; local laws and animal welfare concerns are considered).
Attic and insulation recommendations
where rodents have contaminated insulation, we recommend remediation and can refer trusted contractors for cleaning and replacement.
Why professional trapping and baiting is better than DIY
Accurate placement
Professionals know rodent behavior and place traps where they’ll be most effective.
Safety
Bait stations and traps are set to minimize exposure to children and pets and comply with regulations.
Exclusion expertise
Professionals can identify entry points that homeowners often miss and advise on durable repairs.
Comprehensive prevention
Professionals provide a plan for sanitation and habitat modification, not just elimination.
Ignoring rodent signs leads to escalating costs. A professional approach that combines removal, exclusion, and prevention is essential to stop recurrence and protect occupants and assets.
Case study typical residential scenario (illustrative)
A homeowner reports droppings in the pantry and scurrying noises in the ceiling. Our technician inspects and discovers gnaw marks around a dryer vent and an attic entry gap. We install tamper-resistant bait stations in the attic and along the garage wall, set mechanical traps near pantry shelving, and seal the attic gap and vent opening with rodent-resistant flashing. We schedule two follow-ups. After two weeks, activity has ceased; we recommend ongoing monitoring and sealing additional small gaps identified during inspection. The combined approach stops immediate activity and prevents re-entry.
Rodent control for commercial properties
For businesses, rodents threaten stock, reputation, and regulatory compliance. Island Pest Control offers:
- Discreet, scheduled treatments that minimize disruption
- Tamper-resistant station installation in service corridors and outside dumpsters
- Documentation and service logs for regulatory inspections
- Staff training on sanitation and identification of entry points
- Rapid emergency response to infestation complaints
Seasonal patterns and preventive timing
Rodents seek shelter in colder months, but infestation can occur any time pests find food and shelter. Regular inspection and preventive exclusion before winter can dramatically reduce the risk of wintertime incursions. For commercial properties, quarterly or bi-monthly monitoring is common.
Safety and environmental considerations
We prioritize low-risk, targeted rodent control measures. When rodenticides are required, we use tamper-resistant bait stations and adhere to strict placement protocols to protect non-target animals and the environment. Our technicians explain safe handling and disposal and advise on managing pet and wildlife interactions.
What to expect during service
- Initial inspection and written estimate
- Immediate control measures (traps, baiting)
- Exclusion and repair recommendations
- Follow-up visits to confirm elimination
- Final report and prevention guidance
Key benefits of our rodent control program
Initial inspection and written estimate
Immediate control measures (traps, baiting)
Exclusion and repair recommendations
Follow-up visits to confirm elimination
Final report and prevention guidance
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does rodent control take?
Timing depends on infestation size and building complexity. Many infestations show substantial improvement within 7–14 days with proper trapping and exclusion; complete resolution may take multiple visits if there are hidden nests or extensive entry points.
Will you poison my pets?
We use tamper-resistant bait stations and selective placement to minimize risk. We provide specific instructions if temporary pet relocation during baiting is advisable.
Can I handle the problem myself?
DIY traps can work for minor issues, but professional inspections reduce missed entry points and hidden nests. We recommend professional assessment for attic or wall activity, persistent signs, or evidence of gnawing on wiring.
Do you offer clean-up of contaminated insulation?
We recommend professional cleaning and insulation replacement when contamination is severe. We can refer trusted local contractors for remediation and coordinate with them.
How can I prevent future infestations?
Key prevention steps include sealing gaps, storing food in rodent-proof containers, managing compost and garbage, trimming vegetation away from structures, and maintaining regular monitoring.
Contact and next steps
Protect your home or business from the damage and health risks rodents bring. Call Island Pest Control at (250) 616-9094 to schedule a thorough inspection. We’ll provide a written plan, transparent pricing, and professional service focused on lasting results.
We look forward to restoring your peace of mind and protecting your property with responsible, effective pest control.
