Keep noises and physical signs separate
A sound in a wall is difficult to identify over a phone. Droppings, gnaw marks, or damaged food packaging offer different kinds of information. Give the location and timing of each, and distinguish what you saw from what you inferred. Do not open a wall or enter a tight utility void to investigate further before discussing a safe inspection approach for the building.
Explain who has access to the relevant areas
For a shared building, the basement or service corridor may not be under your control. Say who can approve entry and whether signs appear in more than one occupied space. In a single house, mention an attached garage and food stored nearby. Pets and children also affect decisions about secure device placement, so bring those household details into the conversation before a plan is selected.
Clarify repair, monitoring, and sanitation responsibilities
Ask which openings are supported by evidence and whether suitable exclusion work is included or needs a separate contractor. Discuss how devices will be checked and how progress will be recorded. Contaminated materials require appropriate cleanup; do not dry sweep or vacuum suspected rodent waste. Confirm who handles sanitation and what areas should remain undisturbed until instructions for the specific situation are clear.