Rodent Proofing Your Home

Hardening the exterior of your home is an essential step in rodent-proofing your property. Here are six specific tips on how to do it:

• Seal Entry Points: Sealing entry points is a critical step in preventing rodents from entering your home. To do this, inspect the exterior of your home and look for any cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay particular attention to areas where utility lines, pipes, or wires enter the house, as these are common entry points for rodents. Use a combination of steel wool, caulk, and weather stripping to seal any gaps or holes you find.

• Install Door Sweeps: Another way to keep rodents out is to install door sweeps on all exterior doors. Door sweeps are strips of rubber or plastic that are attached to the bottom of the door, creating a seal between the door and the threshold. This prevents rodents from entering under the door. Make sure the door sweep fits snugly against the threshold and replace any worn or damaged sweeps.  

• Repair Damaged Roofing: Rodents can enter your home through the roof, so it's important to inspect your roof regularly and repair any damage promptly. Check for missing shingles, holes, or gaps in the roof, and repair them as soon as possible.Use materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth to cover any gaps or holes that are too big to be repaired with caulking or sealant.

• Install Mesh Screens: Mesh screens can be carefully installed over vents, chimneys, and other openings in your home's exterior to prevent rodents from entering. Make sure the mesh size is small enough to prevent rodents from squeezing through, and check the screens regularly for any damage or signs of wear. But be careful and make sure you are installing the screens correctly as improperly installing a screen may be a fire hazard for things like chimneys and drier vents.

• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Rodents can use tree branches or shrubs to access your roof or other parts of your home. To prevent this, trim back any branches or shrubs that are touching or close to your home. Keep vegetation at least 12 inches away from the exterior of your home.

• Store Firewood Properly: If you store firewood outside, make sure it's kept at least 20 feet away from your home and stored at least 18 inches off the ground. This prevents many rodents from using the woodpile as a hiding place or nesting site. Additionally, inspect the woodpile regularly for signs of rodent activity and take action if you notice any signs of infestation.

By taking these steps to harden the exterior of your home, you can prevent rodents from entering your property and causing damage. If you're still experiencing problems with rodents, it may be necessary to call in a professional exterminator to assist you with more advanced control measures.