Rodent Control: Why Some Owners Choose Exclusion and How It Works

Rodent activity is one of the most stressful maintenance issues housing providers face. In addition to property damage, rodent infestations can quickly become tenant health and habitability concerns if not addressed promptly and effectively.

Many housing providers are hearing more about rodent exclusion as an alternative to traditional poison-based pest control. This article explains why some owners choose exclusion methods and what to expect when using this approach.

Why Some Owners Choose Exclusion

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

Some housing providers choose exclusion because it focuses on solving the root cause of infestations.

Common reasons owners choose exclusion include:

Preventing repeat infestations
If structural gaps remain, new rodents can continue entering the property.

Reducing odor complaints
Rodents that consume poison may die inside walls, attics, or crawl spaces.

Lowering risk to pets and wildlife
Some owners prefer methods that minimize exposure to poison products.

Addressing long-term building integrity
Sealing entry points helps protect the building envelope.

What Rodent Exclusion Means

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

Step 1: Inspection — Finding Entry Points

The process typically begins with a full 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

• Interior signs such as droppings, grease marks, or chewed wood

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 stop reinfestation.

Step 3: Traps Instead of Loose Poison

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

Step 4: Forcing Rodents Out of the Structure

A key part of exclusion is forcing rodents out of the structure while preventing them from re-entering. This is typically done by installing or maintaining one-way exit points that allow rodents to leave but not return. Traps are then placed strategically both inside and outside structural areas to support this process.

Step 5: Cleanup and Sanitation

Once rodent activity is controlled, technicians remove droppings and nesting material, disinfect affected areas, and remove scent trails that can 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 helps prevent recurrence.

Safety Considerations for Tenants, Pets, and Children

Many exclusion programs are designed to minimize exposure risks by:

• Using secured traps instead of loose poison

• Placing traps in attics, crawl spaces, garages, or exterior areas

• Following product safety and label standards when products are used

Common Concern: Will Rodents Run Into Living Spaces?

This is a very common concern. Properly placed traps are located along established travel routes in hidden structural areas, not in living spaces. Rodents typically do not change their behavior or move into living areas when traps are present.

What Housing Providers May Need to Do

Housing providers or tenants may need to:

• Provide access to crawl space or attic entry points

• Temporarily move stored items near access areas

• Keep access areas clear during follow-up visits

Important Note

BPOA provides educational information about rodent control methods but does not endorse specific vendors. Housing providers should perform their own due diligence when selecting service providers.

Downloadable Resource

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