Stony Brook University's Exclusion-First Rodent Team

Gnaw-mark size and dropping shape usually settle it, and the technician confirms on inspection. 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.

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.

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

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.