Why Weatherstripping and Spray Foam Don’t Stop Rodents

It’s a question pest professionals hear all the time: “Can’t I just use weatherstripping or spray foam to keep mice out?”

At first glance, it might seem like weatherproofing materials—like foam sealant, rubber door sweeps, or insulation—should do the job. After all, they block air, light, and moisture. But when it comes to rodents? They’re nowhere near enough.

Weatherproofing and exclusion are not the same thing. And mistaking one for the other could leave your home or facility vulnerable to costly rodent intrusions.

Weatherproofing vs. Rodent Exclusion: What’s the Difference?

Weatherproofing products are designed to block wind, rain, or drafts. They help improve energy efficiency and comfort, but they’re not made to withstand the chewing, clawing, and persistent behavior of rodents.

Exclusion products, on the other hand, are specifically engineered to prevent pests—especially rodents—from getting inside. They’re built from materials that mice and rats can’t gnaw through, dig out, or bypass.

“It’s amazing how people will just weatherproof doors as a way to keep out pests,”
says Dr. Bobby Corrigan, one of the world’s leading rodentologists.
“Weatherproofing materials are not made for this purpose, so they are completely inappropriate for this job.”
— PCT Online

Why Weatherstripping and Spray Foam Don’t Stop Rodents

Rodents are relentless. A mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime—and if the hole is not big enough, they’ll chew until it is. Weatherstripping and foam insulation may block air, but they won’t stop a determined rodent from getting in.

Common failures include:

• Spray foam insulation – Easily shredded by rodents looking to nest or get through a wall void
• Rubber or vinyl door sweeps and garage seals – Quickly chewed through or pushed aside
• Gaps around utility lines and pipes – Often sealed with caulk or foam, which rodents can easily gnaw through to gain or regain access

If it isn’t specifically made to stop rodents, it won’t.

What Does Work: Xcluder® Exclusion Products

Pest control professionals don’t rely on hardware store weatherstripping. They use products designed and tested to block pests—and that’s why they trust Xcluder®.

Proven Materials

Xcluder Fill Fabric is made from a blend of stainless-steel mesh and synthetic fibers—providing a proven, durable, chew-proof barrier that rodents can’t penetrate.

Engineered for Entry Points

From rodent-proof door sweeps to garage seals and dock leveler kits, Xcluder products are tailored to close the exact types of gaps that rodents exploit.

Built for Real-World Conditions

Rust-resistant. Weather-tough. Long-lasting. Xcluder products stand up to the demands of both residential and commercial environments.

Seal Rodent Entry Points the Right Way

Don’t confuse energy-saving products with pest protection. If you’re serious about keeping rodents out, use what the professionals use—Xcluder.

Because when you seal a building, it should be sealed against everything, not just the weather.

Seal rodents out—for good. Explore Xcluder exclusion products today.