If you are confused about the difference between rodent extermination and rodent proofing, you’re not alone!  The truth of the matter is that you want the rodents or mice gone and you want them gone for good.  One will give you the permanent results you’re seeking, the other will not!  If you want a permanent rodent solution, this is for you.

Rodent Proofing vs. Rodent Extermination

The fact that you are reading this article probably means that you have a rodent infestation in your home.  Well, you may have noticed that rodent control companies have two very distinct ways of dealing with your rodent issue. Many traditional pest control companies emphasize rodent extermination services, while other companies may offer “rodent proofing” services. Understanding the difference between these two types of rodent control services is crucial to selecting a rodent control company that meets your needs and will solve your rat problem for good.

Poisoning rodents a full-time, never-ending job!

What is Rodent Extermination?

Rodent extermination is the act of attempting to limit the number of rodents in your home by eradicating them or by killing them.

Extermination Means Poison And Traps.
When a pest control company offers their extermination services, they are talking about selling you poison and traps. Simply put, the goal of extermination is to kill off the active rat population in your home using rodent traps and rat poison. Unfortunately, although this sounds like it would be the easiest solution, extermination comes with a long list of cons, including:

It’s Time Consuming – Extermination is not a “quick fix” for your rodent problem. It can take several days and multiple doses of poison to kill a rat.

It’s Dangerous For Children And Pets – Leaving poison or active traps around your home can be hazardous, especially to small children and pets. If you are opting to hire an exterminator be sure you know what chemicals will be used in your home and where so that you can set up the proper precautions to keep your children and pets safe.
Unsanitary – Poisoned rats can die in the walls of your home, leaving you rotting animal carcasses in your attic and crawlspaces. These decaying bodies can cause foul odors and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and disease.

It’s a Temporary Solution – All rodents breed quickly. Trapping and poisoning rats and mice might kill off some of the current infestations, but future rodent infestation is more than likely. This makes trapping and baiting for mice a service that you’ll continue to pay for on an annual basis, like many extermination services sell.  If you are interested in seeing the furry infiltrators again someday, call a rodent exterminator now.  Otherwise, it would be best to call a rodent proofing company near you!

What is Rodent Proofing? Rodent Proofing Is Permanent.

Rodent-proofing a home is the only true way to ensure that your home will be permanently protected from future rodent infestation. Best of all, rodent proofing can be done without any dangerous chemicals or traps. How does it work? The rodent proofing process is done in 3 phases:

Phase 1: Inspection – Every rodent proofing job will start with an inspection of your home, basement crawl space areas, foundation and roof for rodent entry access points. Rodent infestation is only possible when these holes and gaps are left unsealed.
Phase 2: Sealing – After identifying all possible rodent access points, these entryways are sealed with professional-grade sealant and steel mesh, denying access to new rodents and preventing infestation.
Phase 3: Cleanup – Once all the entry points are sealed on the exterior of your home, your basement or attic is cleaned, disinfected and deodorized.

One very important question that you need to ask a rodent proofing company before you hire them, is this – Do they rodent proof the roof as well as around the home?  If they do not rodent-proof the roof, you may pay for their service and still have the rodents, especially if the rodents are entering your home through the roof.  We see this all of the time!

Before and after Rodent Proofing the Roof

Rodent Proofing the Roof

The next question that may enter your mind would be, “Can mice climb the side of my home and get into my home through the roof?”  Yes, it is true, mice and rodents do climb walls!  This is why it’s so important that you hire a company that will rodent proof the entire home!  Just watch the video below.  In it, you will see how mice can climb the side of your home and find openings that you never thought they could get into in and around the roof of your home!

Whether you choose to hire a company specializing in rodent clean-up or one skilled in extermination, it is important to act quickly if you suspect your home is infested. Rodents can damage your home and spread disease, so it is absolutely imperative to call a professional pest control or rodent proofing company right away!