As the weather turns cooler, you might notice an uptick in rodent activity around your home. At Modern, our SMART data shows that rats and mice can be a problem throughout the year, but late summer and early fall are ideal times to tackle rodent-proofing. By doing some basic exclusion work and pairing it with our professional pest control services, you can prevent these critters from finding a cozy spot in your home or business this winter.
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, and rats can fit through spaces as small as a quarter. So, it’s important to inspect your property for potential entry points. Common areas to check include HVAC unit lines, utility or cable TV holes, gaps at the bottoms of doors, dryer vents, and any cracks in your home’s structure or foundation.
Tips to Keep Mice and Rats Out
- Declutter: Remove items around your home that could provide shelter for rodents, like firewood piles, stored patio furniture, and kids’ toys.
- Trim Vegetation: Cut back any plants or trees that touch or overhang your home, as these can serve as pathways for rodents.
- Inspect Doors: Check the bottom of entry doors, especially garage doors. Replace any damaged or worn doors and consider adding door sweeps designed to keep rodents out.
- Seal Utility Penetrations: Look for gaps around utility lines and air conditioner units. Seal these with materials like steel wool or copper mesh. Avoid using expanding foam, as rodents can chew through it.
- Repair Screens: Examine window and vent screens for holes and repair any gaps. This includes crawlspace vents.
- Check Siding: Look for gaps in your siding, particularly at the corners, and seal them with appropriate materials.
- Seal Openings: Any gaps or openings larger than the size of a dime should be sealed.
What Materials Keep Rodents Out?
To effectively rodent-proof your home, consider using the following materials:
- Medium-grade or better steel wool
- Copper mesh
- 1/4-inch thick wire mesh screens
- All-weather caulk sealant
- Door sweeps or weather stripping
- Crawl space vent covers
And don’t forget these handy tools:
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Power drill
- Caulk gun
How to Fix Rodent Entry Points
- Utility Lines: For gaps around utility and HVAC lines, cut mesh to size and stuff it into the gap with a screwdriver. Rodents are less likely to chew through the rough mesh.
- NOTE: galvanized steel mesh should be used on steel pipes, copper on copper to prevent corrosion
- Under Doors: Install weather stripping or a door sweep to seal gaps under doors. Make sure no light shines through the gap and that a pen or pencil can’t fit.
- Dryer Vents: Ensure dryer vents are free of lint and debris and fully close.
- Structural Cracks: Use 1/4-inch thick galvanized steel wire mesh to seal foundational cracks. This might involve measuring, cutting, and power drilling.
- Crawl Space Vents: Reinstall or upgrade vent covers as needed.
Modern’s SMART Technology
For added peace of mind, consider Modern’s SMART technology. This 24/7, eco-friendly pest control solution helps monitor your home even when you’re not around. SMART technology includes Smart Connect Minis, Smart Connect Eyes, and Smart Snaps that work together to track rodent activity and report back to us. We’ll know where to place Smart Snaps most effectively and will be alerted when they need attention.
With SMART technology, you’ll never have to worry about rodent problems yourself. We’ll spot issues before you do and ensure your home is protected year-round. Our SMART service includes inspection, monitoring, and pest-proofing, making sure your rodent control efforts are always on point.
By combining these tips with our professional services, you’ll be well on your way to a rodent-free home this season!