Rodents entering a structure should be excluded:

The primary reason for excluding rodents from a structure is to prevent future infestations and to ensure long-term pest management. While it may seem logical to wait until after removing the currently present rodents, this can lead to a cycle of repeated invasions if entry points are not sealed first.

Exclusion should ideally be the first action taken in integrated pest management. By identifying and sealing entry points, you create a barrier that makes it much harder for rodents to enter in the first place, which is vital given that these pests can exploit even the smallest openings.

In this context, thinking solely about removal before addressing exclusion can exacerbate the problem. Once current rodents are removed, if entry points are not sealed, new rodents may quickly take their place, rendering previous removal efforts ineffective. Hence, emphasizing exclusion as a critical measure before or concurrent with removal is essential for preventing future issues.