Rats and mice are the harbingers of disease, damage, and infestations to many homes and properties across the United States. Not only do they cause damage and transmit disease, but they are also distasteful to many people. They can squeeze into almost any hole, making it hard to keep them out. Luckily, knowing what to look for can make it easy to spot entry points. Continue reading to find out where to look.
Know How to Look
First things first, in order to remedy rodent entry points, you must learn how to properly inspect your home for entry holes. It is important to remember that if a rodent can get their head through a hole, they can get their whole body through as well. Every little gap, hole, or crack needs to be secure. Be sure to use a flashlight in a variety of these spots, as seeing every little detail is incredibly important. Now that you know what to look for, it is time to figure out where to look.
Foundation
The foundation of your home is one of the biggest culprits for allowing easy access into your home for rodents. Even a hole as small as ¼” can allow access for mice. Look along the base of the foundation, as well as all along it, at any height, as rodents can climb very well. If you see any gaps or cracks, you should be able to seal them with an all-weather sealant. If you see a small hole, you can seal it or stuff steel wool in it, as rodents hate the feel of steel wool. In some cases, you may want to patch it up using whatever material your foundation is made of, whether it’s brick, concrete, or even wood in some cases.
Doors and Windows
While your doors and windows might seem very secure and weatherproof, there is always a chance that loose weather-strips or a rotten section can cause issues with rodents. In many cases, the easiest way for rodents, especially mice, to find their way into your home is by squeezing through some loose weather-stripping on the bottom of doors. Over time, this always wears out and eventually can have holes or gaps in it. In addition, windows oftentimes may not be closed and sealed all the way, which potentially could allow a mouse access. The best way to fix these issues is to check your weather-stripping and maintain it as necessary. Also be sure your doors and windows are always completely shut, as this is a very simple precautionary step that can save big headaches later. Professionals like those at Magic Touch Exterminating and Wildlife Control can help with preventative measures to ensure rodents stay out of your home.
Pipes and Outlets
Whether they are water pipes, natural gas lines, or appliance outlets to the outside, you will likely have some issues around these areas. Not only do these areas often have holes around them, but they are also prone to cracking or having gaps in some cases. Luckily, if there is a larger hole around your pipe, you can easily stuff it with steel wool. If there is a gap or a crack by any of the pipes, you can use sealant or sheet metal to patch over it.
Interior
In theory, you would never have to worry about your interior, so long as your exterior is completely sealed from rodents. However, there can be things you do not see that can lead to rodents squeezing their way in anyway. That is why it is so important to have a sealed interior as well. Check around every room of your house, looking at the baseboards, the walls, and the ceilings. Be sure that there are no holes or cracks that can allow mice and rats in. This is one of the best ways you can ensure that no rodents will have access to the inside of your home, even if they get inside your walls.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.