In Part 1, we talked about the many ways rodents can gain access to a home. From gaps along the roofline to openings around plumbing and utility lines, it doesn’t always take a large hole for a rodent to find its way inside.
Now that you know where to look, what can you do about it?
The answer is rodent exclusion.
What Is Rodent Exclusion?
Rodent exclusion is the process of identifying and sealing potential entry points around a home to help prevent rats and mice from getting inside.
While trapping can help remove rodents that have already entered a structure, trapping alone doesn’t correct the reason they were able to get inside in the first place.
If an entry point remains open, another rodent may simply take its place.
That’s why exclusion can be such an important part of long-term rodent control.
Seal the Entry Points Before Rodents Find Them
Potential entry points should be addressed using appropriate materials and methods designed for the location and type of opening.
Common areas that may need attention include:
- Gaps around rooflines, eaves, soffits, and fascia
- Damaged or improperly screened vents
- Openings around plumbing, electrical, and utility penetrations
- Gaps around exterior doors and garage doors
- Damaged crawl-space or foundation vents
- Openings where different rooflines or additions meet
- Construction gaps and other openings around the exterior
Simply filling a hole isn’t always enough. The goal is to determine how rodents could access the structure and properly secure those areas to reduce the chance of them getting back inside.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Rodent Exclusion
You don’t have to wait until you hear scratching in the attic to think about rodent control.
Fall is the perfect time to get ahead of potential rodent problems.
As we move away from the hottest months in the Central Valley and eventually into cooler winter weather, protected areas around homes can become attractive places for rodents to find shelter.
Taking care of potential entry points before winter arrives can help prevent a small exterior opening from turning into an interior rodent problem.
Think of exclusion as preparing your home for the season ahead rather than waiting for a problem to happen.
Don’t Forget About Rodent Highways
Sealing entry points is important, but homeowners should also look at the conditions surrounding the home.
Tree branches touching or hanging over the roof can provide rodents with access to upper portions of the structure. Shrubs growing directly against the home can provide cover and pathways around the foundation.
Keeping vegetation trimmed away from the structure and tree limbs away from the roof can make it more difficult for rodents to reach potential entry points.
Prevention Can Be Easier Than Dealing With an Infestation
Once rodents get inside, they can be difficult to locate and remove. They may travel through attics, crawl spaces, garages, and wall voids, sometimes remaining unnoticed until homeowners hear noises or discover droppings and other evidence.
Taking action beforehand gives you an opportunity to correct vulnerable areas before rodents move in.
This September and fall, take a look around your home. If you see gaps, damaged vents, openings around utilities, or other areas that could potentially provide access, don’t put them off until winter.
Get Ahead of Rodent Season with Allpro Pest Services
If you’re concerned about potential rodent entry points around your home, Allpro Pest Services can help identify areas of concern and discuss rodent exclusion options to help protect your home.
Fall is the time to prepare—not after rodents have already made themselves at home.
Seal the entry points. Reduce the pathways. Get ahead of winter rodent activity.
Allpro Pest Services | Modesto, CA
Helping Central Valley homeowners protect their homes from unwanted pests year-round.
Helping Central Valley homeowners protect their homes from unwanted pests year-round.
