Steel Wool vs Xcluder: Best Rodent Proofing Option

If you’ve ever searched for DIY rodent-proofing tips, chances are you’ve seen this advice: “Just stuff steel wool in the hole.” It’s simple, cheap, and easy to find at any hardware store.

But here’s what professional pest control experts know: steel wool doesn’t hold up—and it doesn’t stop determined rodents for long.

When it comes to long-lasting, reliable pest exclusion, there’s a better option: Xcluder® Fill Fabric. Built for durability and trusted by pest control professionals worldwide, Xcluder Fill Fabric offers unmatched performance where traditional materials like steel wool fall short.

Why Steel Wool Fails at Rodent Proofing

At first glance, steel wool for rodents seems like a practical solution. Rodents hate chewing through metal, right? Sort of. While steel wool may temporarily block a hole, it comes with some serious downsides:

• It rusts quickly. Steel wool corrodes when exposed to moisture—especially around pipes, foundations, or outdoor gaps.
• It crumbles over time. As it degrades, steel wool breaks apart, creating gaps that rodents can exploit.
• Rodents can pull it out. Mice and rats are persistent and resourceful. They’ll tug, gnaw, and remove loosely packed steel wool.
• It can be dangerous. When it rusts and breaks down, it can pose a hazard to pets, children, and even your HVAC or plumbing systems.

Bottom line: Steel wool wasn’t designed to keep rodents out—it was designed for scrubbing pans.

Why Xcluder Fill Fabric Works for Long-Term Rodent Exclusion

Xcluder Fill Fabric

is engineered specifically for pest exclusion. It’s made from a patented blend of stainless-steel mesh and synthetic fibers that’s designed to last—indoors or out.

Here’s what makes it the go-to material for pest professionals:

Rust-Proof and Weather-Resistant

Xcluder uses stainless steel, not ordinary steel. That means it won’t rust, degrade, or weaken over time—making it perfect for sealing exterior gaps, crawl spaces, and wet environments.

Chew-Resistant and Tamper-Proof

The interwoven steel and fiber blend creates a tough, dense matrix that rodents can’t chew through, dig out, or push aside.

Flexible and Easy to Install

It compresses easily to fit tightly in voids and irregular openings, then expands slightly to stay snug and secure. You can cut it to size, shape it, and install it with minimal tools.

Safe and Low-Maintenance

Unlike steel wool, Xcluder Fill Fabric doesn’t shed sharp metal fibers or create messes as it breaks down. It stays in place and keeps working — year after year.

Trusted by Pest Control Professionals, Available for Everyone

From commercial pest control technicians to DIY homeowners, Xcluder Fill Fabric is the trusted choice for sealing gaps, cracks, and crevices.

You’ll find it used in:

• Restaurants and food service areas
• Hospitals and healthcare settings
• Homes, garages, and basements
• Warehouses and shipping docks

Professionals choose it not just because it’s effective—but because it’s built to last.

Steel Wool Is for Cleaning. Xcluder Is for Rodent Control.

If you’re serious about keeping rodents out, don’t settle for a quick fix that won’t last. Invest in a solution that’s proven to work—and built to perform under real-world conditions.

Choose Xcluder Fill Fabric. Seal rodents out for good.