North Chicago's Exclusion-First Rodent Team

Rat droppings run larger, roughly rice-grain size or bigger; mouse droppings are smaller and more pointed, and noise timing differs too. A full inspection covers roofline and chimney access alongside the foundation, since rodents use whichever gap is easiest.

Yes — trapping clears what's inside now, but sealing is what keeps the next one from moving in. We'd rather take the extra time to seal every gap properly than leave one open and get a callback in a few months.

Dry sweeping can release airborne particles, so it's safer to leave cleanup to the visit.

Most homes wrap in one visit for trapping and sealing, with a follow-up a week or two out to confirm.

Mechanical trapping and sealing come first, especially around pets and kids; bait stations are reserved for specific situations like commercial perimeters.

Pet food left out and gaps around utility lines are frequent culprits we flag on inspection. We recommend a seasonal walk-around of the foundation, since freeze-thaw cycles can open new gaps.