Marianne'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. We also inspect the roofline and chimney area during a standard visit, since those are entry points homeowners rarely think to check themselves.

Yes — trapping clears what's inside now, but sealing is what keeps the next one from moving in. 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.

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.