Rodent Control: How Exclusion Works and What Owners and Residents Should Expect

Owner & Resident Guides

Maintaining rental housing is a shared effort. The guides in this series explain how owners and residents each contribute to safe, functional homes. 

Rodent activity is one of the most stressful maintenance issues in rental housing. In addition to property damage, infestations can raise health and habitability concerns if not addressed promptly and effectively.

Many properties use a method called rodent exclusion, which focuses on identifying and sealing entry points rather than relying solely on poison-based pest control. This guide explains how exclusion works and clarifies the roles of both owners and residents during the process.

Why Exclusion Is Used

Traditional poison bait programs can reduce rodent populations, but they often do not address how rodents are entering the building. If structural gaps remain open, infestations can return.

Exclusion focuses on preventing rodents from entering in the first place while safely removing those already inside.

Common reasons exclusion is used include:

• Preventing repeat infestations

• Reducing odor complaints from rodents that die inside walls

• Lowering risk to pets and wildlife

• Protecting the long-term integrity of the building

What Rodent Exclusion Means

Rodent exclusion is a building-focused approach that combines inspection, structural sealing, trapping, cleanup, and monitoring.

Step 1: Inspection — Identifying Entry Points

The process begins with a thorough interior and exterior inspection to identify where rodents are entering and where activity is occurring.

Common problem areas include:

• Foundation gaps

• Damaged or uncovered vents

• Openings around pipes and wiring

• Roofline gaps and attic vents

• Signs such as droppings, grease marks, or chewed materials

Step 2: Sealing the Building

Once entry points are identified, repairs are made using materials such as:

• Metal mesh

• Steel vent covers

• Roof repairs

• Crawl space and garage sealing

• Door gap sealing

Sealing is critical. Without it, trapping alone often does not prevent reinfestation.

Step 3: Traps Instead of Loose Poison

Many exclusion programs use secured snap traps placed along established rodent travel paths and exterior perimeters. Traps are typically checked weekly until activity stops, which can take several weeks.

Step 4: Allowing Rodents to Exit While Preventing Re-Entry

Exclusion may include one-way exit points that allow rodents to leave structural areas but not return. Traps are placed strategically to support this process.

Step 5: Cleanup and Sanitation

After activity is controlled, technicians remove droppings and nesting material, disinfect affected areas, and reduce scent trails that may attract new rodents.

Step 6: Monitoring and Follow-Up

Many exclusion programs include ongoing monitoring and periodic inspections to identify new entry points early.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Rodent exclusion is not typically a one-day fix.

Typical timeline:

• Initial inspection, sealing, and trap placement: 1 to 2 days

• Monitoring and follow-up: 2 to 4 additional weeks

This extended timeline helps ensure the infestation is fully resolved and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

Roles and Responsibilities

Effective rodent control requires both structural repairs and day-to-day prevention practices.

Owner Responsibilities

Owners are responsible for:

• Maintaining the building envelope

• Sealing structural entry points

• Coordinating licensed pest control services

• Repairing damage caused by infestations

• Ensuring the unit remains safe and habitable

Structural gaps, damaged vents, and exterior openings are building-level issues and must be addressed by the property owner.

Resident Responsibilities

Residents play an important role in preventing and minimizing infestations. This includes:

• Storing all food, including pet food, in sealed containers

• Securing trash and recycling containers

• Avoiding leaving food or waste accessible overnight

• Promptly reporting signs of rodent activity

• Providing access for inspections and follow-up visits

Access to food sources, delayed reporting, or blocked access areas can allow rodent activity to spread more quickly.

When to Report Immediately

Residents should notify management if they observe:

• Droppings

• Chewed materials

• Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings

• Gaps forming around pipes or vents

Early reporting significantly reduces the time and cost required to resolve an issue.

Common Concern: Will Rodents Run Into Living Spaces?

Properly placed traps are located along established travel routes in structural areas rather than in open living spaces. When installed correctly, traps do not typically cause rodents to move into occupied areas.

Important Note

BPOA provides educational information about rodent control methods but does not endorse specific vendors. Property owners should perform appropriate due diligence when selecting service providers.

Downloadable Resource

For a visual overview of the exclusion process, members can download the printable process guide.