White House'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. 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.

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

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.