What is the preferred method for controlling damage caused by wild rodents?

The preferred method for controlling damage caused by wild rodents is through exclusion measures. This approach focuses on preventing rodents from entering spaces where they may cause damage or pose health risks. Exclusion involves sealing entry points such as holes, cracks, and gaps in buildings and landscapes, effectively creating barriers that inhibit rodent access.

This method is particularly beneficial as it addresses the root of the problem by cutting off the rodents' pathways into homes, gardens, or storage areas, rather than simply trying to eliminate them after they are present. By implementing exclusion measures, property owners can reduce the need for potentially harmful chemicals and traps, thereby promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly management strategy.

Other methods like tactical traps, rodenticides, and repellents may be useful in certain scenarios but do not provide the long-term solution that exclusion measures offer. Additionally, traps and chemicals can pose risks to non-target animals and humans if not used carefully, while repellents may not be reliable on their own without addressing entry points.