Thomas Pest Services 50 Key Rodent & Winter Pest Glossary
Bait Station - A secure, tamper-resistant container used to hold rodent bait safely and prevent access by children, pets, and wildlife.
Burrow - A tunnel or underground shelter created by rodents, often used for nesting and travel.
Chew Marks - Visible signs of rodent activity found on wood, wires, plastic, insulation, or stored food.
Droppings - Small, rod-shaped pellets left behind by rodents, often the first warning sign of an infestation.
Exclusion - The process of sealing entry points, gaps, cracks, and openings to keep rodents and wildlife out of a home.
Free Inspection - A no-cost assessment to check for rodent activity, entry points, and conditions that attract pests.
Gnawing - Constant chewing behavior rodents use to keep their teeth short, often resulting in property or wiring damage.
House Mouse - A small rodent species commonly found indoors, especially during colder months.
Infestation - When rodents have established nesting, feeding, or breeding activity inside or around a property.
Interior Trapping - Placing traps inside a home to capture rodents that have already entered.
Learning Center- Educational content that helps homeowners understand pest behavior and prevention steps.
Mice - Small rodents capable of squeezing through openings as tiny as a dime.
Musky Odor - A strong, stale smell caused by rodent urine and nesting materials.
Nesting Material - Shredded insulation, paper, or fabric that rodents gather to build nests.
Norway Rat - A large, heavy-bodied rat species known for burrowing and damaging structures.
One-Time Service -A single rodent treatment without recurring visits or long-term maintenance.
Ongoing Service Plan - A year-round or seasonal pest control program designed to prevent recurring rodent activity.
Pest-Proofing - Steps taken to reduce attractants and close off entry points, making a home less appealing to pests.
Property Damage - Structural harm caused by rodent chewing, nesting, and contamination.
Recurring Service - Routine pest control visits scheduled monthly, quarterly, or seasonally.
Residential Service - Rodent and pest control treatments designed specifically for homes, apartments, and multi-family properties.
