'Keep Rodents Out' a Critical New Year's Resolution as Rodent Populations Expand

Industry Leader Xcluder Explains Why Prevention is Paramount in Safeguarding a Home from Rodent Infestation

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Jan. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Xcluder®, the world leader in rodent and pest exclusion, is advising homeowners to add 'keep rodents out' to their list of resolutions this year. Rodent populations are expanding nationwide, and waiting to address the problem until it's inside the walls is too late. Pest control professionals worldwide agree that exclusion - using physical barriers to prevent pests from entering a home in the first place - is the safest and most effective strategy in the fight against rodents.

For a multitude of reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic that altered rodent food sources and legislation that limits the use of certain rodenticides, rodent populations are on the rise. These tenacious pests are relentless in their pursuit of food and shelter, and the cold months of winter drive them from their underground burrows into nearby residences.

Consider these steps to protect a home from rodents in the new year:

• Search the foundation for cracks, gaps or holes - a mouse can fit into a space the size of a dime, and a rat into one the size of a quarter.
• Check all doors, door frames and garage doors to ensure there is a tight seal. Damaged or missing door sweeps are one of the most common rodent entry points.
• Ensure all windows, screens and window panes, including window wells, are in good repair.
• Carefully check all openings where plumbing, gas and electric or cable wiring enters the home. Dryer vents and exhaust vents are also popular targets. Remember that entry points near the ground aren't the only ones at risk - most rodents have no difficulty scaling siding, wires or branches.
• Be sure to inspect the roof line for any gaps. Ensure that shingles, ventilators, chimney and vent screens are all in place and undamaged.
• Place all garbage in heavy-duty cans and store as far away from the home as possible.
• Avoid clutter in basements and garages. Neglected storage areas make perfect rodent nesting grounds.
• The use of proper exclusion tools is critical to effectiveness. Rodents can gnaw through plastic, wood, aluminum, brick, cement and even lead, meaning specialized rodent-proofing products are critical to keeping them out. Caulk, mortar and spray foam offer little to no protection against the gnawing power of rodents. Steel wool faces rusting and decomposition over time and therefore requires regular replacement.
• While the idea of using natural repellents such as peppermint oil or mothballs to keep mice out is appealing, it is entirely ineffective. Using sonic devices that produce ultrahigh or ultralow frequency sounds to deter rodents has also been deemed entirely ineffective by the scientific community.

Xcluder Fill Fabric - a blend of stainless steel and poly-fiber with sharp, coarse fibers that has been proven effective against rodents by the USDA/APHIS lab - and specialized rodent-proofing solutions for exterior doors and garage doors are critical to protecting a home and ensuring a rodent-free 2024.

About Xcluder
Xcluder is the world's industry-leading pest exclusion brand, offering a complete line of pest control solutions to protect commercial and residential facilities. Standard rubber door sweeps can be gnawed through easily by even the smallest of rodents. Xcluder Door Sweeps feature reinforced neoprene gaskets lined with Xcluder fill fabric ? a combination of stainless steel and poly-fiber that is virtually impenetrable to rodents and pests and the only rodent-proofing product on the market tested and proven effective by the USDA/APHIS lab. Xcluder is made in America. It contains no harmful chemicals and is completely safe to use around people and food. More information is available at http://www.buyxcluder.com.

Media Contact

Kristin Zanini, Xcluder Rodent & Pest Defense, (847) 975-8221, [email protected], www.buyxcluder.com

SOURCE Xcluder Rodent & Pest Defense