Rodents are more than just a nuisance, but a serious threat to public health, property integrity, and peace of mind. From chewing through electrical wires and posing fire hazards to contaminating food and spreading disease, the damage rats and mice cause can be extensive and costly. Rodent risk mitigation is where effective rodent proofing transforms from a recommendation to a critical necessity.
While rodent traps and rodent baits offer temporary relief from existing rodent infestations, true rodent control starts with exclusion – preventing them from entering your premises in the first place. Among robust, long-lasting rodent barriers, the RodeXit All-In-One Rodent Seal is an innovative, highly effective solution.
But, as with any specialised product, maximising RodeXit’s performance requires proper installation and ongoing care. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential Do’s and Don’ts of RodeXit, ensuring you achieve optimal rodent exclusion and secure your property effectively. We’ll delve into application nuances, avoidable pitfalls, and best maintenance practices.
Why Rodent Proofing Matters: Beyond the Basics
Before we dive into RodeXit, let’s quickly know the importance of robust rodent proofing. Many property owners underestimate rodents’ persistence and capabilities. A mouse can squeeze through a gap as small as a quarter-inch, and a rat only needs about a half-inch. Rodents’ ability to enter through small openings means that even minor structural deficiencies can become major entry points.
Traditional rodent gap sealing methods often fall short. Steel wool can rust and degrade, caulk can be chewed through, and foam sealants offer little resistance to determined rodent gnawing. The limitations of common rodent-proofing materials are why a purpose-built, durable rodent barrier like RodeXit is a game-changer in rodent prevention. RodeXit’s creators designed it with ten stainless steel wires inside to withstand rodent attempts to chew, scratch, and force their way in, providing a formidable rodent deterrent.
Understanding RodeXit: The All-In-One Solution
The RodeXit All-In-One Rodent Seal creates a durable, impenetrable rodent barrier. It’s a flexible yet resilient strip for sealing gaps beneath doors and shutters – commonly overlooked and inadequately protected entry points. Its unique composition and design make it a superior choice for rodent exclusion at homes and businesses, contributing significantly to integrated rodent management.
To ensure this advanced rodent seal performs as intended, meticulous attention to its application guidelines is crucial. Let’s break down the essential Do’s and Don’ts.
The RodeXit DO’s: Achieving Optimal Rodent Exclusion
Following these guidelines will ensure your RodeXit installation is effective, durable, and provides maximum rodent protection.
1. Precision in Installation & Gap Sealing: The Foundation of Rodent Proofing
The success of any rodent-proofing material, like RodeXit, depends on its precise application.
For Gaps < 35 mm (approximately1.4 inches):
DO use RodeXit to close rodent entry gaps below doors and shutters. Such gaps are primary rodent entry points for which RodeXit is perfectly suited for gap closure. RodeXit’s flexibility, due to its Santoprene polymer, allows it to conform to slight irregularities while maintaining a tight seal. RodeXit’s nature thus ensures rodent exclusion even against small mice.
For Gaps >35 mm to 50 mm (approximately 1.4 to 2 inches):
For wider gaps, a single RodeXit strip may not suffice; DO apply a dual layer of RodeXit. A dual-layer RodeXit could be created by installing on both sides of the gap, or by installing two layers with the outer layer strategically positioned below the inner one. A double RodeXit layer creates a rodent barrier with enhanced sealing capability and superior rodent defence for larger openings, offering.
Prepare the Surface Thoroughly:
A smooth, stable foundation is paramount for RodeXit’s effectiveness. DO ensure a smooth, consistent seal by fixing broken tiles, cracks, or uneven concrete before installing RodeXit. An uneven surface will prevent the seal from lying flush, creating gaps that compromise your rodent proofing. Users may overlook ensuring floor evenness before installing RodeXit, but it is vital for long-term effectiveness.
Ensure a Snug Fit Along the Entire Length:
Ensuring a snug fit is a critical “Do’s.” DO check that RodeXit fits snugly and consistently between the floor and the door or shutter along its entire length, as a small gap can be a rodent invitation. The goal of RodeXit installation is to create an unbroken rodent barrier that leaves no entry points. Run your hand along the installed seal to feel for any inconsistencies and fix them.
Snugly fitting RodeXit with uniform gaps between screws
2. Smart Fixing & Essential Testing: Securing Your Rodent Barrier
Proper fastening ensures the rodent seal stays in place and performs its function under various conditions.
Utilise Provided Screw Guides:
As RodeXit comes with screw hole markings, DO utilise them to position your screws accurately. These strategic markings help secure the strip without compromising its integrity, ensuring maximum rodent resistance. Proper screw placement prevents tearing and provides even pressure for the seal.
Test Door/Shutter Operation Immediately:
After installation, DO verify that the door or shutter opens and closes smoothly. The seal should be effective without impeding the normal function of the door or shutter. Testing confirms that the RodeXit is providing a tight seal while allowing free operational movement. Open and close quickly to check that a door or shutter’s RodeXit is both effective and practical.
3. Proper Cleaning & Care: Maintaining Your Rodent Protection
Even the most durable rodent-proofing solutions benefit from simple maintenance to extend their lifespan and appearance.
Safe Cleaning Practices:
Though RodeXit is a low-maintenance product, DO clean RodeXit by dry-cleaning with a brush, washing with plain water, or using a mild soapy solution. Cleaning helps maintain its colour and appearance without damage. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can degrade the product’s rodent-deterrent effectiveness. Regular, gentle cleaning keeps your rodent barrier looking good and performing optimally.
The RodeXit DON’TS: Avoiding Common Rodent Proofing Pitfalls
Knowing what not to do with RodeXit is just as important as knowing what to do. Avoiding these common mistakes will prevent compromised rodent proofing and costly re-installations.
1. Respecting Usage Limits & Ensuring a Perfect Fit: Critical for Rodent Control
Ignoring product specifications can severely undermine your pest prevention efforts.
Gap Size Limit: > 50 mm (approximately 2 inches):
DON’T use RodeXit to close gaps exceeding 50 mm wide. While RodeXit is robust, it has design limitations. For gaps larger than this, it’s essential to consider alternative or supplementary structural change before applying RodeXit. Trying to force it into an opening that’s too large will result in a weak, ineffective rodent barrier.
Uneven Floors: A Major Compromise to Rodent Exclusion:
DON’T install RodeXit on severely uneven floors, as we discussed earlier in this blog post. An uneven surface will create gaps below the seal, effectively nullifying its purpose and providing easy rodent access. Remember, the goal is total rodent exclusion, not partial exclusion. Always address flooring issues first.
Excessive Screw Spacing: Weakening the Rodent Barrier:
DON’T space the fixing screws too far apart, a common mistake that compromises RodeXit’s integrity. Insufficient screw density prevents a uniform, snug fit, allowing RodeXit to lift or buckle in some areas, creating rodent entry points.
2. Damage Prevention: Protecting Your Investment in Rodent Proofing
Preventing physical damage ensures the long-term effectiveness of your rodent-proofing material.
Improper Screw Placement:
DON’T fix screws too close to the strip’s edge, the weakest point. Driving screws too close to the edge can cause RodeXit to tear or breach your rodent barrier. Use the pre-marked screw-hole markings.
Avoid Sharp Tools During Installation or Nearby:
DON’T use utility knives, chisels, or razors that could accidentally damage the installed RodeXit strip. While the material is robust against rodents, it can be cut or punctured by improper human handling. Treat your rodent seal with care during installation and any subsequent work in the area.
Prevent Constant Rubbing or Friction:
DON’T allow constant heavy rubbing or friction against the installed RodeXit. While durable, continuous abrasive contact from heavy doors, equipment, or moving objects can prematurely wear down and damage it. Identify and mitigate sources of friction to prolong the lifespan of your rodent-exclusion product.
Integrating RodeXit into a Holistic Rodent Control Strategy
While RodeXit is a powerful tool for rodent proofing, remember that it’s most effective as part of a broader integrated rodent management (IPM) strategy, including:
Regular Inspections: Continuously monitor for rodent activity and check the integrity of your rodent barriers.
Sanitation: Eliminating food sources and clutter reduces rodent attractiveness.
Habitat Modification: Removing potential rodent nesting sites and outdoor harborage.
Professional Assistance: For severe rodent infestations, consult a pest control operator to identify and address the root cause.
By combining the above rodent management strategies with the precise application of RodeXit All-In-One Rodent Seal, you’re not reacting to rodent occurrences but proactively building a robust defence against rodent invasions.
Conclusion: Secure Your Property with Confidence
The RodeXit All-In-One Rodent Seal offers a modern, effective solution to a persistent rodent problem. By understanding and diligently applying the Do’s and Don’ts, you can create an almost impenetrable rodent barrier. A proactive rodent-proofing approach protects your property from damage, safeguards health and maintains hygiene standards.
Invest in the right product, apply it correctly, and maintain it diligently. With RodeXit, you’re not just sealing a gap; you’re investing in long-term peace of mind and superior pest prevention. Keep those unwelcome guests out for good! Contact us to order your RodeXit All-In-One rodent seal roll today.