Video Transcript

Hi I’m Nicole with DoMyOwn.com. Let’s discuss some quick and effective rodent inspection tips that will apply to both rats and mice. This is a way to protect your home from rodents and prevent the problem before it starts. 

Start by checking the exterior of the building. Look for any cracks, gaps, or holes around the foundation, doors, windows, and where pipes or wires enter the structure. Trim any overgrown shrubs or tree branches that touch the building and make sure garbage lids are tight and clean. Check for rat burrows near foundations, sheds, and fences. Smooth, clean openings usually mean the burrow is active. 

Inside, begin by looking for droppings. Mouse droppings are small like grains of rice, and rat droppings are larger and blunter like olive pits. Fresh droppings usually mean fresh activity. 

Next, check for gnaw marks on food packaging, baseboards, wires, and insulation. New gnaw marks look lighter in color. 

Listen for scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night, which can indicate rodents in walls or ceilings. 

Look along baseboards for grease marks or smudge trails. These come from rodents repeatedly rubbing the same paths. In dusty areas like basements or attics, look for footprints or tail marks. 

Inspect hidden spots such as behind appliances, under sinks, inside cabinets, and in storage areas. Use a flashlight to look for nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. 

Finally, inspect all food and water sources. Look for damaged food packaging, spilled grains, and leaky pipes. Remove clutter and store food in sealed containers. 

A good inspection helps you catch rodent problems early.  

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