Rutgers University-Busch Campus's Exclusion-First Rodent Team

Gnaw-mark size and dropping shape usually settle it, and the technician confirms on inspection. We also inspect the roofline and chimney area during a standard visit, since those are entry points homeowners rarely think to check themselves.

Exclusion is the permanent piece; trapping without it just resets the clock. A thorough seal job on the first visit is what actually prevents a second call a few months later, which is why we'd rather spend extra time sealing than rush to the next job.

We'd wait — disturbed droppings can aerosolize particles, and our crew handles that with proper PPE.

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

We lean on traps and exclusion before rodenticide in most residential jobs.

Easy food access, standing water, clutter, and unsealed foundation gaps are the usual suspects. It's worth checking your attic access panel periodically, since that's a common secondary entry point we find at follow-ups.