Rodent-Proofing Your House

Mice and rats are highly adaptable creatures. They can travel on extremely narrow ledges, drop 50 ft. and survive, climb a brick or stucco wall, not through wood, cloth sacks, lead pipes, paperboard, cinder blocks, asbestos, aluminum, and more. They can climb vertical pipes from the outside and the inside. They can walk along ropes and wires both horizontal and vertical, and they fit through tiny openings. Rats need just a little more than a half inch of space, and mice need only a quarter of an inch of space to get inside.

So, how can you fight these all-terrain creatures? Here are a few steps you can take to rodent prove your house:

Barricade Your Roof:

To keep rodents from gaining access to your roof, trim away surrounding trees and foliage, living at least an eight-foot deadzone. Also cut away any vines or ivy growing against the building. Use metal screening to rat-prove all roof vents.

Repair Cracks and Holes:

Since rodents can we so through very small holes, you'll want to repair every crack and hole along the foundation of your house and under the roof. In earthquake-prone areas, watch for cracks in ornamental bricks. Also, seal openings around pipe and wire and trees. Keep in mind, rats can gnaw through cement (before it sets) so mix broken glass in with it to deter them.

Protect Basement Windows:

Use 17 Gauge, one-half-inch hardware cloth set in removable frames to protect basement windows.

Check Letter Drops:

Letter drops can provide openings for rodents. If a letter drop is less than 18 in. from the floor, the opening should be smaller than half an inch. For wider openings, use a spring-closing cover.

Protect Floor Drains:

Ensure that floor drains in your basement, garage, or pool area are screened with sturdy material.

Source: Bug Busters

Rodent-Proofing Your House

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