Rodent infestations are as common as they are distressing. When a mouse races through your kitchen, it’s not only a small shock; it’s a small mystery. Figuring out how rodents get inside your home can be a real head-scratcher. It’s not like you left the door or windows open, so how did they get it? They find a way.
Stopping rodents from getting in is a challenge, especially with their aptitude for creating entry points with their teeth alone. However, you can reduce the likelihood of rodent infestations by knowing their favorite methods of entry. Here are some of the best ways rodents will use to get into your home:
Corner Posts and J Channels
Corner posts conceal the area where your home’s siding intersects at each corner. Likewise, J channels are used to hide the ends of vinyl siding around the exterior of doors and windows. The problem is that corner posts tend to be hollow, and gaps can appear between J channels and the siding.
Using these spaces, mice can easily crawl inside and work their way into your home. Both corner posts and the gaps between J channels and siding are spacious enough for mice to crawl through comfortably.
From there, all they need to do is chew open an entry hole or find one that already exists. Copper mesh and steel wool can close openings in your corner posts, and silicone caulk can seal gaps in J channels.
Your Foundation
Cracking foundations are commonplace just about everywhere. If your foundation is cracked near to ground level, more substantial cracks become entry points for rodents. The best thing you can do for rodent proofing, besides repairing the foundation, is to seal up any cracks you find with silicone caulk.
Your Garage
The attached garages present a massive opportunity for rodents. If the garage door is uneven, it won’t seal flush with the ground. The resulting gap is a 24/7 entry point for mice, rats, and more. If your garage door is fine, but you leave it open often, there’s a more significant chance the rodents can get in and make a home for themselves. If your garage isn’t neat, the clutter will make your garage an even more attractive target.
Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters and downspouts are essentially ladders for rodents. They’re hollow and just tight enough for rodents to climb up. Once on the roof, rodents can find vulnerabilities and holes or even damage shingles to get inside.
The best method for rodent proofing your downspout is to install chicken wire or hardware cloth around the opening of your downspout. This approach will allow water to pass through while blocking entry.
The Chimney
If rodents find their way onto the roof, like through a downspout, they’ll have easier access to your chimney. From there, all they need to do is climb down.
Suddenly, they’re in your living room and b-lining it to the kitchen. The best way of rodent-proofing your chimney is to install sheet metal around the base of the chimney, or where you would expect they might try to climb. The metal will be too slick for rodents to climb.
Reliable Rodent Proofing in Seattle
If you need help rodent-proofing your home, Attic Projects Seattle can help. Our rodent proofing and rodent removal services include a 10-year warranty so you can finally enjoy peace of mind inside your own home. Call or contact Attic Projects Seattle today to schedule your appointment.
