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- (530) 343-0603
- Mon-Fri 9am to 5 pm
When most people think about getting rid of mice or rats, they’re thinking about rodent control. This usually means using traps, bait stations, or poison to eliminate the rodents that are already inside a home or business. It’s a reactive approach that focuses on solving the problem already in front of you.
Some common types of traps include snap traps, live catch traps, and glue boards. On occasion, people may also try ultrasonic devices or even rely on cats. In bigger buildings like warehouses, fumigation is sometimes recommended, though it’s rare for homes. Poison baits, also known as rodenticides, used to be common but have fallen out of favor, especially in California, where new laws restrict their use.
The upside? Rodent control can give quick results. If you suddenly hear scratching in the walls or find fresh droppings, a few strategically placed traps can bring some peace of mind. But the downside is that rodent control doesn’t solve the root problem, which is how rodents are getting inside. Unless you seal off those access points, you’re likely to deal with the same problem again.
That’s where rodent exclusion comes in.
Rodent exclusion is a proactive solution that focuses on keeping rodents out of your home or building in the first place. Instead of reacting to an infestation with traps or bait, exclusion is about finding and sealing up all the ways rodents are getting inside.
The process starts with a full inspection. Technicians look at everything from crawl spaces and attics to garage doors and rooflines. In Northern California homes, common entry points include gaps under doors, vents with torn screens, and holes around plumbing or utility lines. Mice only need a gap the size of a dime to get in, and rats need only a little more.
Once the problem areas are identified, the team seals them using durable, rodent-proof materials. This might include metal flashing, fine steel mesh, or concrete. At Shelby’s, we go a step further by using products like Xcluder door sweeps, which are specially designed so rodents can’t chew through them. These aren’t just quick patches. They are long term solutions built to last.
Exclusion doesn’t rely on poisons or chemicals. It’s an eco-friendly approach that is safe for your family and pets. By keeping rodents out from the start, you avoid the stress and mess of dealing with them later.
In short, rodent exclusion is all about building a barrier that pests can’t break through. It takes more time upfront, but when done right, it gives you peace of mind that your space is protected for the long haul.
In 2025, California passed a law that restricted the use of most rodenticides in non-agricultural settings. Learn more about Assembly Bill 2552 on the California Legislative Information website. This means pest control companies can no longer rely on many of the poisons they once used to manage rodent problems.
This change was made to protect wildlife like hawks, owls, and mountain lions that were being harmed after eating poisoned rodents. It also helps keep families, pets, and the environment safer.
The law has shifted the entire pest control industry. Without poison, many companies have had to change the way they deal with rats and mice. Instead of relying on bait, professionals now use more trapping and more rodent exclusion.
Shelby’s was ahead of the curve. Long before the law changed, they focused on eco-friendly, poison-free methods to stop rodents at the source. Their commitment to sealing entry points and using safe, long lasting solutions made them a trusted choice even before these rules took effect.
Now that poisons are off the table, rodent exclusion is more important than ever. And companies that already had the tools, materials, and experience to do the job well, like Shelby’s, are now setting the standard for protecting homes and businesses.
Both rodent control and rodent exclusion have their place in managing pests, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
Pros:
Cons:
Limited effectiveness in California due to rodenticide restrictions
Pros:
Cons:
When used together, rodent control and rodent exclusion provide the most effective strategy. Control tackles the current issue, while exclusion makes sure it doesn’t happen again.
Shelby’s Pest Control has been serving Northern California since 1954, and their approach to rodent exclusion reflects decades of real-world experience. They go beyond standard pest control to give homeowners and businesses a truly lasting solution.
Inspection and Estimate Every service starts with a detailed inspection. Shelby’s team looks closely at your entire structure to identify signs of rodent activity and possible entry points. This includes attics, crawl spaces, garages, utility areas, and the full exterior. If there’s a hole, gap, or damaged area where rodents could enter, they’ll find it.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll get a clear explanation of what was found and what needs to be done. Shelby’s provides a no-pressure, no-obligation quote and answers any questions you may have.
Rodent-Proofing the Property Shelby’s team uses specialized, chew-resistant materials to seal off every rodent entry point they find. This includes metal flashing, fine mesh, concrete patches, and Xcluder door sweeps. They also set traps where needed to ensure no rodents are left behind.
The result is a fully rodent-proof home or business that blocks future intrusions.
Follow-Up and Guarantee A couple of weeks after the work is done, Shelby’s performs a follow-up to confirm that everything is holding strong and that no new rodent activity has been detected.
They back their work with a workmanship guarantee that covers the exclusion areas for two full years—so long as the barriers remain in place and undisturbed. If a rodent manages to get in through a sealed point, Shelby’s will fix it at no cost.
This 3-part approach—inspect, seal, and support—gives customers long-term peace of mind and a rodent-free home they can count on.
Deciding between rodent exclusion and rodent control often depends on your situation. If you’re dealing with a large, active infestation right now, then setting traps is the immediate next step. But if you’ve had rodents before and are tired of the repeat visits, exclusion is likely the right long-term answer.
In many cases, the smartest approach is to use both: control to deal with rodents already inside and exclusion to stop new ones from getting in. Shelby’s can guide you through that process and recommend the best next step based on your specific needs.
If you’re tired of dealing with rats or mice, or just want to make sure they never get in to begin with, rodent exclusion is the smart move. Shelby’s Pest Control is one of the few providers in Northern California that specializes in full-service rodent exclusion for both homes and commercial buildings.
With over 70 years of local experience, a two-year workmanship guarantee, and an approach built around safety and long-term prevention, Shelby’s is the team you can trust to get the job done right.
Call Shelby’s Pest Control today to schedule your inspection and get a free estimate.
