Do I need to worry about rats in my yard but not in my house?

• <div><p>Seeing a rat or two isn’t uncommon, especially in mild climates. That doesn’t mean they are actively a danger to your home. The problem is when you start seeing rats regularly in your yard, there’s a good chance they are also looking for ways to get into your house or other buildings. All they need is a small hole or gap, and they have a new place to nest -- which is bad news for you. Stay cautious if you start seeing rats in your yard all the time. </p></div>

How can I keep bats out of my house?

• <div><p>If you’ve had a prior bat infestation or simply want to avoid having bats invade your home in the first place, there are a few steps you can take without the need for a pro. </p><ul><li><p><b>Seal entry points</b>, such as where your chimney meets your house, or other gaps or holes exist.</p></li><li><p><b>Use bat deterrents</b> like bright lights or ultrasonic devices to force them away from your home. </p></li><li><p><b>Reduce bat attractions</b> like standing water and bird nectar feeders inviting bats into your yard. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top pest control specialists in Covelo, CA

Q: Do I need to worry about rats in my yard but not in my house?

• <div><p>Seeing a rat or two isn&rsquo;t uncommon, especially in mild climates. That doesn&rsquo;t mean they are actively a danger to your home. The problem is when you start seeing rats regularly in your yard, there&rsquo;s a good chance they are also looking for ways to get into your house or other buildings. All they need is a small hole or gap, and they have a new place to nest -- which is bad news for you. Stay cautious if you start seeing rats in your yard all the time. </p></div>

Q: Are squirrels hard to get rid of?

• <div><p>Like many other rodents, squirrels can be a little difficult to get rid of (especially in the case of an infestation), but the best approach is to make the place as unattractive to squirrels as possible. If you do have an infestation inside your home, then professional help may be necessary so you can lay as many traps as possible. </p></div>

Q: How can I keep bats out of my house?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;ve had a prior bat infestation or simply want to avoid having bats invade your home in the first place, there are a few steps you can take without the need for a pro. </p><ul><li><p><b>Seal entry points</b>, such as where your chimney meets your house, or other gaps or holes exist.</p></li><li><p><b>Use bat deterrents</b> like bright lights or ultrasonic devices to force them away from your home. </p></li><li><p><b>Reduce bat attractions</b> like standing water and bird nectar feeders inviting bats into your yard. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: Where do phorid flies lay eggs in the house?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll find that phorid fly larvae breed in moist, decaying, organic matter. When trying to locate a breeding site, thoroughly inspect the following places in your home: drain pipes, trash cans, garbage disposal, pet waste, rotting produce, plants, compost bins, and even under appliances like the stove and refrigerator where moist food may have dropped. It&rsquo;s also possible for a breeding site to form inside of a wall, crawl space, or under your home&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: What are natural ways to get rid of gnats?

• <div><p>Naturally get rid of gnats by luring them into a homemade trap with sweet-smelling items from around the house. Cover a bowl with plastic wrap, place a paper cone in a jar, or simply leave a wine bottle with a bit of residue on the bottom. Each of these traps will attract remaining gnats and keep them from spreading.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your pest control project in Covelo, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Pest control specialists in Covelo

Terminix® Pest Control

4.4(

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

79 neighbors recently requested a quote

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Birds and Bats+9 more

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The inspector Anthony Gordon was very punctual and very personable, I liked him right away. He seemed to be a very conciencous hard working individual that went right to work with his inspection explaining to me as he performed the inspection what he saw and what needed to be done.The inspection was very methodical and complete.His professionalism led me to agree to have All pro Pest do the job. The job has been scheduled and I will post my experiences good or bad after the job is complete. Stay Tuned

"

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+1 more

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We found evidence of termite infestation. They responded quickly and inspected property the following day. Price was reasonable and employee was knowledgeable. He explained scope of work and options thoroughly. We added pest control as additional price was very reasonable. Work was performed the following day and we are satisfied with service."

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Termite

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

"Long time between return calls, after tenting the house we still found live bugs in the house. No confidence in the costly proceedure. made us make 2 100 mile trips for questionable reasons."

Recommended by42%of homeowners

Request Quote

American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Request Quote

Team Too Termite & Pest Control

2.3(

)

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Bugs and Insects - For Business+3 more

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1978

"Overall have had a great experience at this point . They addressed our bird issues and are on a regular monthy pest control spraying ."

Recommended by20%of homeowners

Request Quote

Accel termite control & accel home services

3.0(

)

Pest Control - Termite

Serving Covelo, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

*TERMITE INSPECTIONS (PEST REPORT)* FOR ESCROW/OWNER/BUY\n*HOME AND ROOF INSPECTIONS*\n*CHEMICAL TREATMENTS*\n*DRY ROT REPAIR*\n*FUMIGATION*

Recommended by50%of homeowners

Request Quote

Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Seeing a rat or two isn’t uncommon, especially in mild climates. That doesn’t mean they are actively a danger to your home. The problem is when you start seeing rats regularly in your yard, there’s a good chance they are also looking for ways to get into your house or other buildings. All they need is a small hole or gap, and they have a new place to nest -- which is bad news for you. Stay cautious if you start seeing rats in your yard all the time.

Like many other rodents, squirrels can be a little difficult to get rid of (especially in the case of an infestation), but the best approach is to make the place as unattractive to squirrels as possible. If you do have an infestation inside your home, then professional help may be necessary so you can lay as many traps as possible.

If you’ve had a prior bat infestation or simply want to avoid having bats invade your home in the first place, there are a few steps you can take without the need for a pro.

Seal entry points, such as where your chimney meets your house, or other gaps or holes exist.
Use bat deterrents like bright lights or ultrasonic devices to force them away from your home.
Reduce bat attractions like standing water and bird nectar feeders inviting bats into your yard.

You’ll find that phorid fly larvae breed in moist, decaying, organic matter. When trying to locate a breeding site, thoroughly inspect the following places in your home: drain pipes, trash cans, garbage disposal, pet waste, rotting produce, plants, compost bins, and even under appliances like the stove and refrigerator where moist food may have dropped. It’s also possible for a breeding site to form inside of a wall, crawl space, or under your home’s foundation.

Naturally get rid of gnats by luring them into a homemade trap with sweet-smelling items from around the house. Cover a bowl with plastic wrap, place a paper cone in a jar, or simply leave a wine bottle with a bit of residue on the bottom. Each of these traps will attract remaining gnats and keep them from spreading.

The Covelo, CA homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does Pest Control Cost? [2026 Data]
Whether you have bugs, bats, or rodents invading your home, you’ll want to contact an exterminator quickly. Find out how much pest control costs.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
What Is Pest Control? A Complete Guide
Pest control services offer a professional option to eliminate serious infestations in your home. Here’s what to expect.
Kat Brancato
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Are Pest Control Services Safe?
Are pest control services safe? Learn the risks of using pest control, common types of treatment, and ways to make it safer.
Kat Brancato
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Is Pest Control Worth It?
Is pest control worth it? Learn how a pest control plan works, how much it can cost, and the benefits of calling in the pros.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
DIY Pest Control: The Best Methods to Try (and When to Call a Pro)
Considering do-it-yourself pest control? Find out the best DIY pest control methods for various pests and when to call in a pro instead.
D.P. Taylor
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
6 Easy Ways to Save Money on Pest Control
If you’ve noticed pests in your home, it’s time to take immediate action. But how can you prevent a huge bill? There are a few ways.