Get Help with Animals or Pests

We investigate reports of bed bug infestations in apartment and rental units and in hotels and motels.

• Apartments & Rental Units: Ask your landlord to hire a pest control company. If your landlord won’t deal with the problem, call your local building inspector. For the City of Madison Building Inspection Office, call 608-266-4551. If there is no Building Inspector in your area, call us at 608-242-6515.
• Hotels & Motels: Call us at 608-242-6515.
• Home you own: Contact a Pest Control Company familiar with treating bed bugs.

Learn More & Resources

• Bed Bugs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions, WI DATCP
• About Bed Bugs, CDC
• Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Shelters and Group Living Facilities, Cornell University, New York State Integrated Pest Management Program

Visit our Mosquitoes & Ticks webpage for:

• Data dashboards
• Dane County trends in mosquito and tick illnesses
• Mosquito and tick bite prevention tips

• We investigate reports of rat infestations and provide information to tenants, property owners, and neighborhoods on dealing with rat and mouse infestations.
• When needed, we issue orders to property owners to correct issues that are contributing to rat and mouse problems.

What is an infestation?

• Daytime sighting: Seeing a rat during the day is a sign of a large population, or overcrowding, as they are typically nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden.
• Foraging Trails: Visible paths appear as flattened or disturbed vegetation where rats travel between their burrows and food sources.
• Burrow holes: These are holes in the ground, typically 2-4 inches in diameter, with smooth walls and loose dirt around the entrance. These are often found near foundations, compost bins, dense vegetation, or under decking. Burrows can also be found near clutter, woodpiles, or garbage bins. Rats like when they can burrow where they have cover and are near food.
• Garden damage: Partially eaten garden produce and snail shells may be signs rats are foraging in your garden.

How to Prevent and Control a Rat or Mouse Infestation

• Rats and mice are not only a nuisance, they also cause property damage and disease. Getting rid of food and places to live is the key to keeping your home, business, and neighborhood rat/mouse free.
• Watch our video, Protect Your Home From Rats. It explains how to make sure your property is not friendly to rats and mice.

If you have an infestation:

• Give our staff a call at 608-242-6515 if you have a rat infestation, a problem with rats in your neighborhood, and/or live near a property with garbage or food accumulation that may attract rats.
• If you plan to use rodenticides, follow these guidelines:
  • Do not place bait in areas that are accessible to or near food sources for pets, wild animals, or children.
  • Do not apply bait directly into burrows—instead place these at the entrance or use cover over burrow to prevent accidental exposure by other animals or children.
  • Do not leave bait in areas that are not well monitored, like basements or attics.
  • Do not use glue traps, which are inhumane.
• Consider other ways to address the infestation:
  • Consider snap traps or electronic zappers for indoor rodent control.
  • Encourage rodent predators, like owls, to your property by installing owl nesting boxes.
  • Call a professional! Hire one who specializes in pest management and does not use anticoagulant rodenticides.

Learn More & Resources

• How to Seal Up to Prevent Rodents, CDC