To begin eliminating your rodent problems, start with a good inspection. Inspecting your home, shed or barn is important for determining which type of rodents are present: rats or mice. A good inspection provides three main valuable pieces of information:
To verify an active burrow, wads of paper can be stuffed into the opening or the burrow can be caved in with dirt and rechecked a day or two later.
House Mouse
Mice do not typically burrow, instead they create indoor nests of shredded paper, string, and other similar materials. Nest are commonly located in secluded corners, beneath cabinets, at the base of kitchen appliances, and in cluttered garages.
Norway rats' burrows are typically in the ground outside and usually measure about 3 inches in diameter. It is common to find burrows along foundations and underneath debris, low-lying shrubbery, woodpiles, and storage sheds.