Rodent Inspection Checklist

Before you can control rodents, you must first know where they’re hiding. Use this checklist to identify the telltale signs of an infestation.

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or pest control professional, this Rodent Control Checklist will help you identify, prevent, and eliminate rodent infestations before they take hold.

🔍 Inside Your Home

☐ Inspect attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages for droppings, gnaw marks, or shredded paper and insulation.
☐ Check behind appliances, under sinks, and inside cabinets for rub marks or food debris.
☐ Look for grease marks along walls or baseboards — a sign of repeated rodent travel paths.
☐ Listen for scratching or scurrying noises in walls, ceilings, and floors, especially at night.
☐ Smell for a musty, ammonia-like odor in enclosed areas — often a sign of nesting.

🏡 Around the Exterior

☐ Examine gaps and cracks around doors, vents, utility lines, and the foundation.
☐ Inspect window wells, crawl space doors, and garages for chew marks or droppings.
☐ Look under decks, sheds, and patios for burrows or gnawed materials.
☐ Check garbage bins, compost piles, and storage areas for evidence of rodent activity.
☐ Note tree limbs or shrubs touching the house — rodents often use these as access points.

📦 Food and Storage Areas

☐ Inspect pantries and food storage areas for holes in packaging or gnawed corners.
☐ Ensure pet food, bird seed, and livestock feed are sealed in rodent-proof containers.
☐ Clear clutter and rotate stored boxes to prevent nesting spots.

Rodent Control & Prevention Checklist

Once you’ve inspected, it’s time to take proactive steps. Prevention is the most effective long-term strategy — keeping rodents out is far easier than getting rid of them later.

🛠️ Seal and Exclude

☐ Seal all cracks and openings larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, copper mesh, or hardware cloth.
☐ Install door sweeps and weather stripping on all exterior doors.
☐ Repair torn window screens and close attic or soffit gaps.
☐ Cover vents and weep holes with rodent-proof mesh.

🍽️ Sanitation and Food Control

☐ Store food, grains, and pet feed in airtight, rodent-proof containers.
☐ Clean up crumbs, spills, and grease promptly — especially in kitchens.
☐ Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls out overnight.
☐ Empty trash regularly and keep outdoor bins tightly sealed.
☐ Clean under appliances, furniture, and sinks frequently to remove debris.

🌿 Outdoor Maintenance

☐ Trim trees, shrubs, and vines at least 3 feet away from your home.
☐ Keep grass trimmed and eliminate yard clutter like firewood piles near the house.
☐ Maintain dry conditions by fixing leaks and ensuring gutters drain properly.
☐ Remove outdoor food sources such as fallen fruit or bird seed spills.

⚙️ Trapping and Monitoring

☐ Place snap traps or multi-catch traps in high-activity areas (along walls, behind appliances).
☐ Avoid glue traps if pets or small animals are present.
☐ Use tamper-resistant bait stations outdoors for ongoing prevention.
☐ Monitor traps weekly and record results to track activity trends.
☐ Always follow label instructions for baits and place them out of reach of children and pets.

👷 Professional Help

☐ Schedule a professional pest inspection annually or whenever rodent signs appear.
☐ Ask your pest control provider about integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for long-term prevention.
☐ Keep a record of inspections, treatments, and results to build an effective maintenance plan.

Download Your Free Rodent Control Checklist

Want a printable version to keep on hand for inspections or client visits?
📄 Download the Rodent Control and Prevention Checklist (PDF)

This checklist includes both inspection and prevention steps — perfect for homeowners, property managers, or pest professionals looking to stay ahead of the fall rodent rush.