Rodent Prevention Inspection Checklist for Canadian Properties
Turn an inspection into a repair list. Use this worksheet to record entry points, food sources and signs of rodent activity around a home, garage, storage area or farm building. It supports prevention and a discussion with a pest-management professional.
Published October 21, 2026 · Prepared by Rodenticide Canada
For property managers and community resource pages: this worksheet can be used without an account or purchase. Share the link with the person responsible for repairs so the inspection and follow-up stay together.
Before the walk-through
Record the property or building, date, person inspecting, weather and areas that could not be safely inspected. Photograph issues from a safe position. Leave roof, electrical and mechanical repairs to qualified people.
1. Building access
- Exterior and garage doors: note gaps, worn seals and damaged thresholds.
- Utility openings: note spaces around pipes, cables and where materials meet.
- Foundation and lower walls: record openings or damage needing repair.
- Vents, soffits and roof edges: note damaged covers visible from a safe position. Preserve required ventilation and drainage.
2. Food, water and shelter
- Check dry food, pet food, livestock feed and birdseed containers for secure closures and damage.
- Record spills, unsecured waste, leaks and standing-water sources.
- Look for unnecessary clutter or materials that conceal activity.
- Review vegetation and wood storage beside buildings.
3. Evidence and follow-up
Record the location of gnaw marks, damaged packaging, droppings or sounds. Describe what you observed; do not record a species as confirmed unless it has been identified. Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings. Consult Health Canada's guidance before cleanup.
| Location | Evidence or issue | Next action | Owner and due date | Follow-up result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: west garage door | Daylight visible at lower corner | Arrange seal inspection and repair | Assign a person and date | Record repair and later observations |
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
4. Equipment or professional help
If you use traps, select a model for the target rodent, follow the manufacturer's instructions and check it daily. Keep traps inaccessible to children and pets. Persistent activity, inaccessible areas or uncertainty about the species are reasons to seek qualified help.
If considering a pesticide, separately confirm the current Canadian label, user eligibility and local requirements. This worksheet does not replace a pesticide label or a legally required application record.
Use and share this resource
You may print or adapt this original worksheet for your own property or maintenance team. If you share it publicly, please credit Rodenticide Canada and link to this original checklist so readers can find the sources and updates. No purchase is required.
Sources and next steps
- Health Canada: rats and mice — prevention, physical control and cleanup guidance.
- Fall rodent-prevention guide — a seasonal walk-through.
- Rodent control buying guide — equipment and order checks.
- Tomcat, Hawk, Jaguar and Rampage comparison — Canadian formulation references.
- Canadian labels and regulations — where to check pesticide requirements.
Source checked October 21, 2026. The worksheet is a practical maintenance aid, not a certification of a rodent-free property.