Few things make a house feel less like home than scratching in the walls at night. Across Salem, Gloucester, and Cumberland counties, mice and rats move freely between farm fields, woods, and neighborhoods, and when the weather turns, a warm house, garage, or barn is the obvious next stop. Zero Pests finds how they’re getting in, gets rid of the ones inside, and helps keep the rest out.
Signs of Mice or Rats
- Droppings: Small, dark pellets along walls, in cabinets, behind appliances, or in drawers. Rat droppings are noticeably larger.
- Noises: Scratching or scurrying in walls, ceilings, or attics, usually at night.
- Gnaw marks: Chewed food packaging, wiring, insulation, or wood.
- Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation tucked into quiet corners, storage boxes, or wall voids.
- Rub marks and burrows: Greasy smudges along baseboards and, for Norway rats, burrows along foundations, sheds, and woodpiles.
Rodent Season in South Jersey
Rodents are a year-round problem, but fall is when most South Jersey homeowners notice them. As temperatures drop and the fields around our towns are harvested, mice lose cover and food and go looking for shelter, and homes, garages, and outbuildings are right there. Rats tend to stick close to steady food and water sources like feed storage, trash areas, compost, and pet food. A house mouse can squeeze through a gap of about a quarter inch, roughly the width of a pencil, so small openings around pipes, vents, garage doors, and foundations matter.
How Ed Handles Rodents
Ed starts with a thorough inspection inside and out to identify the species, find activity, and locate entry points: utility penetrations, gaps under doors, foundation cracks, vents, and rooflines. Then he builds a plan that combines the right tools for the situation:
- Trapping in active areas inside the home.
- Tamper-resistant bait stations placed with careful application, typically outside or in areas where they make sense.
- Exclusion, sealing entry points with rodent-resistant materials so new mice and rats can’t follow.
- Advice on food storage, clutter, and landscaping that reduces what draws rodents in.
Getting rid of the mice you have is only half the job. Sealing them out is what keeps the problem from coming back every October.
What to Expect
When you call, Ed answers. He’ll schedule an inspection, walk you through where the activity is and how they’re getting in, and give you a clear plan and quote. Rodent control usually takes follow-up visits to check traps and stations and confirm activity has stopped, and Ed will tell you up front what that looks like for your home.
Why Zero Pests
Zero Pests is a veteran-owned company founded in 2025. Ed Newton has more than 23 years of experience, including years with national pest control companies, and holds NJ pesticide license #92354B. We handle homes, barns, and rentals across the region, including farm country around Woodstown & Pilesgrove, growing neighborhoods in Swedesboro, and older homes in Vineland and Glassboro.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I only see one mouse, do I really have a problem?
Often, yes. Mice are secretive and breed quickly, so one sighting usually means more are nearby. An inspection will show how much activity there is.
Do you seal entry points?
Yes. Exclusion is a core part of how Ed handles rodents, because trapping alone doesn’t stop new ones from coming in.
Can you handle barns, sheds, and garages?
Yes. Outbuildings are common rodent hot spots, especially on farm properties. Ed inspects the whole property, not just the house.
How long does it take to get rid of mice?
It depends on how many there are and how they’re getting in. Ed will give you a realistic timeline after the inspection, including any follow-up visits.
Get Rid of Mice and Rats
Hearing things in the walls? Call Ed at 856-599-9376 for a free quote or inspection. Zero Pests is available Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM, serving Salem, Gloucester, and Cumberland counties.