What rodent exclusion means
Exclusion is the physical work of finding and closing every opening a rat or mouse could use to get into the house. A roof rat can fit through a gap about the size of a quarter. A mouse only needs a hole the width of a pencil. A good exclusion job covers the whole structure, not just the hole someone noticed.
Common rodent entry points in Arcadia homes
- Roof and eave gaps
- Where the roof decking meets the fascia, especially on older homes with open rafter tails. The most common roof rat entry in Arcadia.
- Tile roof openings
- Gaps under the first row of tiles at the eave and at ridge lines on Spanish and Mediterranean style homes.
- Attic and gable vents
- Torn screens, rusted mesh or vents with screens too coarse to stop rodents.
- Roof returns and dormers
- Corners where two rooflines meet often leave a hidden gap.
- Plumbing and AC line penetrations
- Gaps around pipes, AC lines and cables where they pass through stucco or siding.
- Foundation and crawlspace vents
- Broken or missing screens on raised foundations, common in older parts of south Arcadia.
- Garage doors
- Worn bottom seals and gaps at the side jambs. One of the main entry points for mice and Norway rats.
- Chimneys
- Missing caps or loose flashing.
Seeing this at your place right now? A local technician can talk it through with you on the phone.
Call (626) 555-0142Materials we use
- Galvanized hardware cloth, cut and fastened over vents and gaps.
- Metal flashing and sheet metal for larger openings and roof edges.
- Copper or stainless mesh packed into small gaps around pipes, which rats cannot chew through.
- Rodent-proof sealants and mortar for foundation gaps.
- Bird stops or eave closures for tile roofs.
- Heavy-duty garage door bottom seals and side seals.
Spray foam on its own is not used for rodent sealing. Rats chew straight through it.
How the exclusion job works
Full exterior inspection
Call (626) 555-0142. The technician walks the roof where safe, the eaves, foundation, garage and every utility penetration, and notes each opening.
Written list
You get a list of every entry point found and the plan for sealing them all.
Trapping first
If rodents are still inside, trapping runs first or at the same time, so rats are not sealed inside the house.
Sealing
Each opening is closed with materials suited to where it is. Most homes take one to two days.
Final check
After sealing, traps are checked again to confirm no new activity.
What you can do around the yard
- Keep tree limbs trimmed back from the roof by at least six feet.
- Remove vines and ivy from walls and fences that touch the house.
- Keep firewood, lumber and storage off the ground and away from walls.
- Check vent screens once a year, especially after high winds.
Rodent exclusion FAQ
Will sealing trap rats inside my house?
Not if it is done in the right order. Trapping runs first or at the same time, and some installers use one-way doors on the main entry so rats can leave but not return.
How long does exclusion last?
Metal and hardware cloth last for many years. New gaps can open from roof work, storms or settling, so a yearly check is worth it.
Is exclusion worth it if I only saw one rat?
Usually. One rat in the attic often means more, and the same opening will keep letting new ones in.
Do you seal tile roofs?
Yes. Eave closures and bird stops are fitted under the first row of tiles, which is where most roof rats get into tile-roofed homes.