As the weather changes and temperatures start to dip, rodents like mice and rats often seek shelter indoors. Your home can provide the perfect escape from the elements, especially when small entry points allow these pests easy access. Knowing where to look and how to seal up these entry points can go a long way in keeping rodents out. Here’s a guide to identifying and eliminating the most common rodent entry points around your home.

1. Cracks and Gaps in the Foundation

Why It’s a Problem: Small cracks in your home’s foundation may seem insignificant, but for a determined rodent, even a ¼-inch gap is more than enough to squeeze through.

Solution: Inspect your home’s foundation regularly, especially around windows, doors, and vents. Seal any gaps and/or openings larger than ¼”.

2. Doors and Windows with Poor Seals

Why It’s a Problem: Gaps under doors or around windows are easy access points for rodents. Many homeowners don’t realize that worn weather stripping or ill-fitting doors can leave just enough room for a mouse to slip inside.

Solution: Check the weather stripping on doors and windows, especially basement and garage doors. If you can see light around the edges, it’s time for a replacement. Adding a door sweep to the bottom of doors can also help close off gaps at ground level.

3. Openings Around Utility Lines and Pipes

Why It’s a Problem: Areas where utility lines, water pipes, and cables enter your home often have small gaps that rodents can exploit.

Solution: Inspect these areas and seal any gaps with a combination of caulk and steel wool. Caulk alone may not deter rodents but pairing it with steel wool makes it difficult for them to chew through. Make sure all utility entry points are properly sealed to close off these sneaky access points.

4. Basement and Crawl Space Vents

Why It’s a Problem: Basements and crawl spaces provide warmth and shelter, making them ideal spots for rodents to settle in. The vents leading to these areas can become loose or damaged, allowing pests an entry point.

Solution: Inspect basement and crawl space vents for gaps, and repair or replace any damaged vent covers. You can add mesh or screen material to cover these vents, ensuring the material is sturdy enough to withstand rodent gnawing.

5. Garage Doors and Wall Gaps

Why It’s a Problem: Garages can be an easy entry point for rodents, especially if there are gaps along the edges of the garage door or cracks in the walls. Once in the garage, it’s often only a short journey into the main house.

Solution: Make sure the garage doors close completely and that there is no visible light along the edges when the door is shut. Replace worn seals along the bottom of the garage door and use weather stripping to seal any gaps.

6. Exterior Walls and Siding

Why It’s a Problem: Over time, siding can warp or come loose, creating gaps along the exterior walls. Rodents can easily squeeze through these openings to gain access to your home.

Solution: Regularly inspect the siding on your home and look for any loose or damaged panels. Seal these gaps and replace any warped or broken panels to keep rodents from entering. Another common entry point that virtually every vinyl or aluminum sided home has is the gaps underneath the corner caps. Rodents (and snakes, yikes!) love these particularly and as mentioned, they’re present on virtually every home.

Preventive Measures

In addition to sealing off entry points, a few preventive steps can help reduce the risk of rodents entering your home:

• Maintain a Clean Yard: Keep vegetation trimmed, store firewood away from the home, and eliminate any clutter that could serve as a rodent hiding spot.
• Store Food Properly: Rodents are drawn to food sources, so be sure to store food in sealed containers and clean up any spills promptly.
• Regular Inspections: Make a habit of inspecting your home seasonally to catch any new entry points or signs of rodent activity early on.

Taking these steps to eliminate common rodent entry points can make a big difference in keeping your home rodent-free. If you’re dealing with a rodent infestation or need help preventing one, contact Preferred Pest Solutions today for a comprehensive inspection and treatment plan. We can help you identify problem areas and provide effective, tailored solutions to keep your home safe and pest-free.