Diagnose
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:
- Type of Infestation
- Extent of Infestation
- Location for Control Effort
Gnawing Damage
Evidence of recent gnawing is an excellent sign for determining the presence of rodents.
Mouse
- Hole Size: ½ inch in diameter; small, clean-cut
- Gnawed Material: Wires, plastic, wood, corners of cardboard boxes, bags
Rat
- Hole Size: 2 inches in diameter; rough, torn edges
- Gnawed Material: Wood, corners, floor joists, wall studs
