What is Rodent Exclusion and Does it Work?

As winter approaches, you may notice more signs of rodent activity near or around your home. These pests seek shelter once the weather begins to cool, and they may end up in your home if they find a way inside. Rodent exclusion is a way to keep these pests out this winter and all year long. Not many people have heard of this pest control method, but it can be a great way to protect your home. This FAQ will answer all of your questions on rodent exclusion! 

What Is Rodent Exclusion?

Rodent exclusion is the process of removing any existing rodents in a home and adding a preventative barrier to keep them from returning. Rodents are small creatures, and they are able to get into your home through small, perhaps unnoticeable, cracks and holes in your home’s exterior. Exclusion is a way to ensure these cracks and openings don’t become an open door for uninvited guests.

Mouse peeping head up from behind low wall

How Does Exclusion Work?

The quick way to describe how rodent exclusion works is that it seals any potential entrances that can be used by rodents to get inside your home. This can include several spots within your home: 

  • Any cracks or holes around your home’s foundation
  • An extra seal for your doors, garage, and windows
  • Sealing holes in mesh screens on windows, patios, or doors
  • Adding or repairing insulation within your walls and roof
  • Finding and closing potential entryways in your attic or basement
  • Vents and/or caps for chimneys, dryer connections, oven ventilation, or pipes

There are several rodent exclusion materials that can be used: caulking, sealant, mesh wiring, vents, grates, or anything else that adds a protective barrier between your home and outdoor rodents. By ensuring your entire home is thoroughly sealed, you can successfully “exclude” rodents from entering your home. 

What Are the Benefits of Exclusion?

Mouse eating grain

The benefits of rodent exclusion cannot be overstated. Rodents are known for carrying all sorts of diseases, illnesses, and even other pests with them, so you’ll want to keep them out of your home. Rodent exclusion works as a preventative measure to keep rodents out before they can even get in. A few other benefits include: 

How Much Does Rodent Exclusion Cost? 

With all the benefits rodent exclusion has, you’ll want to first determine if it’s worth the cost. As of 2024, exclusion doors cost about $200–$400 each. If you need rat removal as well, it could cost over $1,000, but the average usually falls around $500–$700 for rodent exclusion services. However, once the exclusion is in place, you’ll save money on needing fewer treatments in your home, so eventually, the exclusion will pay for itself. 

Can I DIY Rodent Exclusion? 

A pest control technician inspecting a property

If you consider yourself a handyman, you may be able to add some rodent exclusion methods to your home. You want the following: 

  • Wire Mesh: The wire mesh can be used to patch up any screens that may have holes or tears. You’ll want to first cut away the old screen, measure your new wire mesh to fit the door, and secure it in place. You may find it easier to make the new mesh a bit bigger than the measurements, so you have extra material to work with while securing it. Just cut away the excess before installing the window or door back in place. 
  • Caulking: Caulking can be used around smaller pipes and joints or seams around your home. Check around your home to see if any existing caulking needs refreshing, especially along your windows or in your bathroom. If it does need to be replaced, scrap away the old caulking, clean the area thoroughly, and use the caulking gun to add a fresh layer of caulking. 
  • Metal Mesh Filler: Metal mesh fillers can be used to fill in the gaps around larger pipes, such as your dryer ventilation line or oven ventilation. Simply stuff any open space you see with the filler to seal it up. 
  • Expanding Foam: Expanding foam is a great way to seal any metal mesh filler you’ve placed or any cracks or holes you find along your home’s foundation or walls. If you want a more aesthetically pleasing fix, you can also cut and file down the foam once it’s placed to make it less noticeable.
  • Rodent-Proof Door Seals: Door seals can be used on any door that leads outside or on your garage door. You’ll want to find a seal that specifically states to keep rodents out. Typically, it’ll have a thick, usually metal mesh seal to ensure your home is protected. 

While this may not take too long to do on your own, you may want a professional pest control technician to take a look around your home to help you identify any potential entry spots you may have missed.

Keep Rodents out of Your Home with PCT

Whether you have an active problem or you just want to prevent future issues, PCT offers comprehensive rodent pest control for the residents of the Philadelphia Metro Area! We’ve been helping families get rid of rats and mice for over 45 years. Keep your home pest-free and ask our technicians about rodent exclusion and rodent control services!

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