When inspecting for rodents, what should be prioritized during the process?

Prioritizing caution during rodent inspections is essential for several reasons. First, entering an area potentially infested with rodents can pose health risks, such as exposure to diseases that rodents can transmit through droppings, urine, or bites. Taking a cautious approach helps ensure personal safety and minimizes the risk of accidents or injury.

Additionally, being cautious allows for a more thorough inspection. By moving slowly and deliberately, inspectors can observe signs of rodent activity—such as droppings, gnaw marks, and nests—without disturbing the environment excessively or scaring the rodents away. This careful approach also helps maintain the integrity of the inspection process, allowing for accurate assessments and effective follow-up actions.

While interacting with property occupants and understanding their observations can be very helpful, it is secondary to ensuring the safety of the inspector. Using advanced technology can also aid in detection but is not a primary concern during the inspection process itself. Minimal lighting may seem beneficial for discretion but could hinder the inspector's ability to identify important signs of rodent presence. Thus, prioritizing caution ensures a safe and effective rodent inspection.