‘House of Horrors’: Pest Experts Discover Up to 1,000 Rats Inside Southern California Home
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — Pest control specialists in Southern California have uncovered what they describe as one of the worst rodent infestations in years, after discovering a home in Irvine overrun by hundreds — possibly even up to 1,000 rats.
Experts who entered the property say the infestation had reached catastrophic levels, with rodents crawling through walls, nesting in ceilings, and scurrying across every surface. The discovery has left residents in shock and neighbors pleading for help as the infestation begins to impact surrounding homes.
Pest Control Crew Calls It “A House of Horrors”
According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, crews from Twin Home Experts, a local pest control company, were called in after neighbors reported a strong odor and unusual noises coming from the residence. What they found inside, they said, was a nightmare scenario — a home completely overrun by rats.
“We’ve seen bad cases before, but this one was extreme,” one technician told ABC7. “There were hundreds of rats visible at once, and signs that hundreds more were nesting out of sight. It’s the kind of situation that takes months — if not years — to develop.”
Photos and videos shared by the team show rats climbing on curtain rods, darting along walls, and tearing through insulation in what experts called a severe public health hazard.
Neighbors Beg for Help as Rats Spread
Nearby residents say the situation had become unbearable, with rats reportedly spreading into neighboring yards and garages.
“We couldn’t even sit on our patio without seeing them,” one neighbor said. “They’d run along the fence, climb the trees, even chew through our trash cans. It’s been a living nightmare.”
Several neighbors have filed complaints with the city, demanding immediate cleanup and sanitation efforts to prevent the infestation from spreading further.
City officials have confirmed that code enforcement officers and Orange County Health Department inspectors are investigating the case to determine whether the property should be condemned or demolished.
How Did It Get This Bad?
Experts believe the infestation may have stemmed from years of neglect, hoarding, and structural damage that allowed rodents to breed unchecked. With access to food, nesting materials, and warmth, the rat population exploded inside the home.
Pest control professionals estimate that it could take weeks of fumigation, trapping, and structural repairs to fully eliminate the rodents and restore safety to the property.
“The cleanup alone will be a massive undertaking,” said one technician. “But the biggest challenge is preventing them from migrating into other nearby homes.”
A Growing Problem Across Southern California
Health experts warn that rodent infestations have been increasing across California, fueled by mild winters, urban expansion, and improper waste disposal. Rats not only cause property damage but can carry dangerous diseases, including hantavirus and leptospirosis.
Local officials are urging homeowners to inspect attics, seal cracks, and store food securely to avoid similar outbreaks.
The Irvine “house of horrors,” however, stands as one of the worst examples in recent memory — and a chilling reminder of what can happen when small problems spiral out of control.
City crews and pest control experts continue to monitor the area as cleanup operations move forward. Residents have been assured that immediate steps are being taken to prevent further spread.
For ongoing updates on this developing story and other Southern California news, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
