University of Virginia'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. 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.

Pet food left out and gaps around utility lines are frequent culprits we flag on inspection. It's worth checking your attic access panel periodically, since that's a common secondary entry point we find at follow-ups.