It can be stressful and frustrating to find mice in your house. It is even worse when you realize you have no idea how they got in or how to prevent more from entering. You need not worry because the experts at Radar Pest Control will guide you through the most common places that mice enter homes and give you some great tips to keep them out.
1. Openings around plumbing, electrical, or gas lines
Anywhere where utilities enter your home can be a tricky spot when it comes to pest control. Builders and utility workers don’t always take the time to close these areas, leaving gaps big enough for mice, and even rats, to enter.
Rodent Prevention Tip: Use steel wool and expandable spray foam to seal all areas where utility lines enter your home.
2. Cracks and crevices in walls and foundations
As homes settle after being built, small cracks or gaps may form in walls or along the sides of foundations. You might not consider a small hole a problem, but mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, so all cracks, gaps, and crevices should be filled.
Rodent Prevention Tip: Slowly walk around your home and use silicone caulk to seal any small cracks, holes, and gaps. Cement mortar or sheet metal can also be used for larger openings along foundations.
3. Doors
You might be surprised to learn that doors are a common way for mice to enter. Think beyond your front door to other doors that may be problematic, including garage doors, back doors, and cellar doors. Leaving any of these doors open for an extended period of time is like inviting rodents to enter, so keep them closed as much as possible. If any of your doors do not close tightly, they should be repaired.
Rodent Prevention Tip: Use weather stripping or door sweeps to ensure a tight seal around all doors and keep your garage door closed.
4. Intentional Openings
There are a few places on homes that have been left open intentionally to help with airflow. These areas may include: chimneys, vents, and weep holes. You do not want to completely cover these up, so you must find solutions that still allow adequate airflow.
Rodent Prevention Tip: Weep hole inserts provide protection against rodents, or you can staple or nail hardware cloth or wire mesh fabric over chimneys, vents, and weep holes.
5. Window Sills and Ledges
Mice are excellent climbers, so getting onto window ledges is not a problem. If there are any gaps around your windows, these can make for easy entrance into your home.
Rodent Prevention Tip: Ensure that you have tight fitting windows by installing weather stripping, and fix or repair damaged window screens.
6. Gaps in Vinyl Siding
The installation of vinyl siding can leave gaps big enough for mice to squeeze through. This is particularly problematic at corners of homes where the ends of the siding meet and where trim is installed around doors and windows.
Rodent Prevention Tip: Stuff steel wool or copper wool into gaps between the siding, and then seal with expandable spray foam or caulk.
Sunshine Coast Pest Control
These ideas are excellent at helping to prevent mice, but if you still find yourself with a rodent problem, call the experts at Radar Pest Control. We provide exceptional customer service, quality products, and experienced technicians. Contact us today for all your rodent control Sunshine Coast needs.