Signs of rodents
- Droppings along walls, in cabinets, behind appliances, in attics and in garages.
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, wiring, wood and plastic.
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings and attics, especially at night.
- Nests of shredded paper, insulation or fabric.
- Grease marks along walls where rodents travel regularly.
- Damage to stored items in garages and attics, or to car wiring.
Mice and rats can damage wiring, insulation and stored belongings, contaminate food and surfaces, and carry diseases. Acting early prevents a small problem from becoming a large one.
Exclusion is the long-term fix
Trapping removes the rodents inside, but unless the entry points are sealed, more will come. Rodent proofing, also called exclusion, finds and closes the gaps they use. Mice can squeeze through very small openings, and rats through openings not much larger.
Common entry points include:
- Gaps where pipes, wires and vents pass through walls.
- Openings under garage doors and around door frames.
- Foundation vents with damaged screens.
- Gaps where the roof meets walls, and openings at eaves and soffits.
- Roof and attic vents without proper screens.
- Cracks in foundations and gaps under siding.
- Openings around air conditioning lines and dryer vents.
Exclusion uses durable materials that rodents can't chew through easily, such as metal mesh, sheet metal, hardware cloth and sealants designed for the purpose. Expanding foam alone isn't enough; rodents chew through it.
Trapping and baiting
- Snap traps placed along walls where rodents travel are effective inside homes and let you remove the rodent.
- Enclosed bait stations outdoors can reduce populations around the house. Rodenticides should be used only in tamper-resistant stations and with care, because they can poison pets, children and wildlife that eat poisoned rodents.
- Glue traps are considered inhumane by many and are restricted in some places.
Using poison inside the house can leave rodents to die inside walls, causing odors and attracting insects. Ask the contractor how they'll handle trapping inside versus outside.
Cleanup
Rodent droppings and nests can carry diseases. Don't sweep or vacuum dry droppings, which can stir up dust. Public health guidance generally recommends ventilating the area, wetting droppings with a disinfectant, wiping them up with gloves, and disposing of them in sealed bags. Heavily contaminated attic insulation may need to be removed and replaced. Ask the contractor whether cleanup is part of their service.
Reducing attractants
- Store food, pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.
- Keep garbage in bins with tight lids.
- Clear clutter in garages and attics.
- Trim vegetation away from the house, and keep firewood off the ground and away from walls.
- Fix leaks that provide water.
Questions to ask
- Where are the rodents getting in, and can you show me?
- What materials will you use to seal entry points?
- Will you use traps, bait or both, and where?
- Is cleanup and insulation replacement included?
- What follow-up visits and warranty come with the job?
Attics, garages and cars
Rodents often nest in attics and garages, where insulation and stored boxes provide warmth and material. They also chew wiring in vehicles parked outdoors or in garages. If you find damage to car wiring, tell both the pest control contractor and your mechanic; removing nearby food sources and sealing the garage helps prevent repeat damage.
Follow-up visits
Exclusion work should be checked after a few weeks: traps reviewed, sealed openings inspected, and any new activity tracked to its source. Ask whether follow-up visits are included in the price.