Rodent Pressure in Coastal Carolina
New Bern's dual-river setting and proximity to farmland create ideal rodent conditions. Roof rats — the dominant species in coastal NC — use the mature pecan, oak, and pine canopy to travel between trees and rooflines. Norway rats exploit the waterfront infrastructure along the Trent and Neuse. House mice are everywhere, entering through gaps as small as a dime.
- Roof Rats — Agile climbers that nest in attics and palm crowns. They enter through gaps at the roofline — where dormers meet the main roof, around plumbing vents, and through deteriorated soffit panels. The historic district's mature trees put them within jumping distance of most roofs.
- Norway Rats — Ground-dwelling burrowers found near waterfront areas, storm drains, and commercial dumpsters. They enter structures at foundation level through pipe gaps and under garage doors.
- House Mice — The most common indoor rodent. They reproduce rapidly and contaminate far more food with droppings and urine than they consume.
Trapping, Exclusion, and Prevention
We combine professional trapping in active runways with exclusion — sealing every identified entry point using steel wool, copper mesh, hardware cloth, and metal flashing. Common New Bern exclusion targets include ridge vents, soffit gaps, plumbing penetrations, and the weatherstripping under garage doors. Monitoring confirms the home is clear after treatment.