If you've been trapping rats or mice for months and they keep coming back, you're not doing anything wrong. Trapping without exclusion is a treadmill.
Traps address individuals, not access
A trap removes one rodent. It does not close the opening that rodent used to get in. New rodents follow the same paths and take its place.
Rodents follow scent trails
Rats and mice mark their runways with urine and body oils. Even after trapping, those trails still call other rodents to the same openings.
Exclusion breaks the cycle
Sealing the entry points removes the pathway. Combined with proper sanitation to remove scent trails, exclusion is what actually gets homeowners off the trapping treadmill.
Food and shelter keep pressure high
Pet food, bird seed, fruit trees, and cluttered storage give rodents a reason to stay nearby. Even a sealed home can attract outdoor activity if food sources sit against the foundation or garage.
One missed opening is enough
Homes often have several potential entry points. Sealing the obvious garage gap while leaving a torn crawlspace vent open still invites return activity. A full inspection finds the complete set of openings, not just the first one you notice.
