Rodent Removal in Wall, NJ

Challenge

I was dispatched to a Wall Township residence. This homeowner has a Home Protection Plan with Cowleys. He contacted a Cowleys Customer Service Representative after spotting what he believed to be a mouse in the kitchen. Rodent problems are true emergencies and an immediate appointment was scheduled to have this matter checked out and resolved.

When I arrived at the home, I talked with a homeowner to get a better understanding of the rodent problem. We discussed where he had first observed the animal, its appearance, how often he saw it, and where he saw it exit. While conducting a thorough inspection to determine the likely points of entry, I discovered a large hole under the piping coming from the A/C unit into the utility room (photo). Spaces around pipes coming into the home are common entry points for mice and other rodents.

I also found rodent droppings near the pipe. Fecal identification is important to determine the type of animal that is infesting the home, and the volume of feces is a good indicator of how big the problem is. You need to know the type of animal infestation to know how to properly trap it in order get the infestation resolved quickly. A rat’s fecal pellets are rectangular, about 1/2 to 3/4” long, with blunt ends. They are generally found in small groups. The droppings of a house mouse are much smaller, granular in shape, about 1/8 to 1/4” long, with one or both ends pointed. Although mouse droppings are smaller, a mouse produces many more pellets per day than does a rat. These observed droppings (see accompanying photo) were far too large for a mouse. I clarified with the homeowner the approximate size of the rodent that he observed. Rats are much larger rodents. They can easily become twice the size of a mouse, and often more. Rats can weigh up to a pound while a mouse would be lucky to weigh an ounce. Mice have smaller heads than a rat with relatively larger ears and eyes for its size. Also, a rat’s snout is much more blunt than that of a mouse, and also has a thicker tail. Based on the homeowner’s description and the observed droppings, it was clear that a rat had entered the home, not a mouse.

Solution

I excluded the rodent by sealing the hole around the piping with a copper mesh (see photo). Copper mesh works well to block holes because animals do not like to chew it, and it does not rust like steel wool. I also set up an exterior rodent bait station next to the A/C unit (photo). Finally, I placed a rat trap next to the water heater (see photo). The trap was baited but not set at the time of this service. Rats are intelligent, cautious creatures, and are leery of the slightest changes to their surroundings. I instructed the homeowner to contact Cowleys immediately if the bait disappears. Once the rat believes that it is safe to take the bait, the trap will be set. I scheduled a follow-up visit to inspect the bait station, set the snap trap, and inspect for any more droppings. With everything in place, this rat’s days are numbered and will no longer be disturbing this homeowner.