Nine Years of Rodent Problems Solved in Seconds: A Scottsdale Case Study February 2026 – Scottsdale, Arizona
A homeowner near Indian School Road and 86th Street in South Scottsdale had been fighting a frustrating battle with rodents for nearly a decade.
Over the course of nine years, six different pest control companies had been hired to solve the problem. Various approaches had been attempted, including trapping programs, exterior baiting, and exclusion work. Yet despite the time, money, and effort invested, the rodents continued to return.
When Raptor Pest Solutions was called to inspect the property, it quickly became apparent that something wasn’t adding up.
The exterior of the home showed no obvious signs of active intrusion. Perimeter bait stations remained untouched, indicating rodents were not regularly approaching the structure from the outside. Previous exclusion work had been completed correctly, and no significant exterior entry points were identified during the inspection.
Based on experience and the pattern of activity, Raptor Pest Solutions suspected the problem might not be coming from outside the home at all.
Instead of following the same path that six previous companies had taken, they considered a source that is often overlooked: the homes plumbing system.
Without even deploying a Sewer Assassin™ bait station cap to confirm rodent activity in plumbing, the decision was made to conduct a smoke test right away using the FogTrace™ smoke testing system.
In nearly a decade of recurring rodent issues, not one company had suggested performing a plumbing smoke test.
Within 30 seconds of introducing fog into the plumbing system, the source of the problem was revealed.
Dense fog began escaping from an old opening hidden behind the home’s wood siding. Moments later, additional fog appeared inside an added-on laundry room, confirming a direct pathway from the sewer system into the structure.
Years of frustration. Thousands of dollars spent. Six pest control companies.
The answer was found in less than a minute.
This case highlights a growing issue that many pest professionals continue to overlook. When rodent activity persists despite proper exclusion and untouched exterior bait stations, the problem may not be exterior-to-interior movement at all. In many cases, rodents are traveling through aging sewer infrastructure and entering structures through hidden plumbing defects, abandoned lines, and construction modifications.
This case? They they had chewed though the ABS vent pipe in the added-on laundry room. This happens more often than you think!
The lesson is simple: when traditional methods fail, it’s time to investigate the source.
The companies that continue doing the same thing will likely get the same results.
The companies that identify the true entry points become the ones that solve the problem.
Don’t be one of many in a long line of fired pest control companies. Be the company that finds the answer. Be the next Sewer Assassin™.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Smoke Testing
Is plumbing smoke testing safe for homes?
Yes. Professional plumbing smoke testing is considered safe for homes when performed using non-toxic smoke or fog solutions designed specifically for plumbing diagnostics. The process is non-invasive and helps locate hidden leaks, sewer gas issues, and plumbing defects without damaging the property.
Can plumbing smoke testing detect sewer gas leaks?
Yes. Plumbing smoke testing is one of the most effective methods for finding sewer gas leaks. Smoke travels through plumbing systems and escapes through cracks, broken seals, faulty vents, or damaged pipes, making the source of the problem visible.
Is plumbing smoke testing safe for pets and children?
In most cases, professional plumbing smoke testing uses low-toxicity fog that is considered safe for short-term exposure. However, plumbers often recommend keeping pets and children away from testing areas as a precaution and ventilating indoor spaces afterward.
How long does a plumbing smoke test take?
Most residential plumbing smoke tests take between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the size of the plumbing system and the complexity of the issue. Larger commercial buildings may require additional time.
Can plumbing smoke testing damage pipes or plumbing systems?
No. Professional plumbing smoke testing uses low-pressure smoke or fog designed specifically for plumbing diagnostics. It is considered one of the least invasive plumbing inspection methods and does not damage properly functioning plumbing systems.
What plumbing problems can smoke testing detect?
Smoke testing can help detect sewer gas leaks, cracked sewer lines, broken vent pipes, hidden plumbing leaks, faulty cleanouts, illegal plumbing connections, drain defects, and rodent entry points within plumbing systems.
What is the best plumbing smoke testing machine for plumbers?
One of the top choices for professional plumbers is the FogTrace™ Smoke Testing Machine. Unlike traditional smoke candles, FogTrace™ produces a dense, highly visible fog that helps plumbers quickly identify sewer gas leaks, venting problems, cracked pipes, and hidden plumbing defects. Many plumbers prefer FogTrace™ because it offers faster diagnostics, cleaner operation, non-toxic fog solutions, and better visibility during residential and commercial plumbing smoke testing.
