​Have you ever had rodents get into your home? If not, chances are you know someone who has. Rodent infestations are among the most common and costly pest problems in Arizona. Mice and rats spread diseases, chew wires, and damage insulation and drywall, so prevention is always better than dealing with repairs and cleanup.

An effective way to prevent rodents from entering your property is through rodent exclusion. Below, you’ll learn what rodent exclusion is, how it works, and why it’s a wise investment for homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, and throughout Southern Arizona.

broken clay roof

​What Is Rodent Exclusion?

Rodent exclusion is the process of sealing off entry points and blocking potential access routes that rodents use to get into your home. It focuses on prevention rather than elimination, keeping mice and rats out before they can nest or cause damage.

Ideally, exclusion is done before an infestation begins, but even if you already have rodent activity, it’s not too late. Pairing exclusion with professional rodent control eliminates existing pests and prevents new infestations from developing.

Common Rodent Entry Points in Arizona Homes

Rodents don’t need much space to get in. Mice can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime, and rats only need a hole the size of a quarter. Once inside, they look for warm, quiet areas to build nests and raise young, especially during cooler desert nights.

Typical rodent entry points around Phoenix and Tucson homes include:

  • Gaps under doors and garage doors
  • Cracks in foundations or rooflines
  • Open vents, utility lines, and crawl space openings
  • Unsealed windows and door frames
  • Eaves, soffits, and roof edges
  • Open chimneys or attic vents

Roof rats tend to enter homes from higher points, like tree limbs, power lines, or small gaps in roof tiles, and often settle into attics and insulation. Pack rats and mice are more likely to enter through openings at ground level, such as around utilities or cracks in the foundation.

Benefits of Rodent Exclusion

Investing in rodent exclusion offers long-term protection and peace of mind. Here’s why it’s one of the smartest home improvements you can make in the desert:

  • An eco-friendly option that minimizes the necessity for product, trap, and bait usage.
  • Offers long-term protection for your home against rodents and other pests.
  • Prevents property damage caused by pests.
  • Reduces health risks from rodent droppings and contamination.
  • It is cost-effective over time, helping you avoid repair bills.
  • Gives you peace of mind knowing your home is sealed against rodents and other pests.

Why Professional Rodent Exclusion Works Best

DIY exclusion might sound simple, but finding and sealing every entry point takes experience and specialized materials. Professional rodent exclusion offers several key advantages:

  • Experts can identify even tiny or hidden openings
  • Durable sealants and barriers that can withstand the harsh Arizona climate
  • Services include warranties
  • Homeowners avoid risky work on ladders
  • Professionals integrate rodent control, proofing, and monitoring for complete protection

Protect Your Home with Desert Guard from Northwest Exterminating

For homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, and Southern Arizona, Northwest Exterminating’s Desert Guard offers unmatched rodent and pest protection. This Integrated Pest Management program was designed specifically for Arizona’s desert conditions and the pests that come with them.

Our Desert Guard process includes:

  • Comprehensive inspection to identify entry points and harborage areas
  • High-quality material installation built for the desert climate
  • Quality-assurance inspection after installation
  • One-year warranty covering replacement and labor

Desert Guard doesn’t just stop rodents; it also blocks scorpions, spiders, and other pests that love to sneak inside Arizona homes. Don’t wait until rodents make themselves at home. Protect your property today with Desert Guard from Northwest Exterminating.

Contact us to schedule your inspection and keep your home sealed and secure throughout the year.