Inspecting the Foundations
Begin by examining your home’s foundations for mouse entry points. Mice can fit through spaces as small as a 5-piece piece. Check for overlooked areas, especially where utility pipes enter the home. Use caulk for small openings and materials like steel wool or metal sheeting for bigger gaps, which mice can’t chew through. Ensure all cracks and crevices in the foundation are well-sealed.
Examining Walls and Siding
Mice can exploit even the smallest imperfections in walls and siding to enter. Look for loose siding panels, gaps around windows, and spaces near door frames. Sealing these gaps is crucial to stop mice. Trim tree branches or shrubs that touch your home to eliminate pathways for mice to access potential higher entry points.
Roof Vulnerabilities
Inspect your roof as it’s a common access point for mice. Look for loose shingles or tiles, gaps in flashing around chimneys, and openings near eaves and soffits. Seal these areas properly to minimize the chances of mice entering your home through the roof.
Doors and Windows
Check that all doors and windows shut firmly. Weatherstripping and draft excluders can wear out, creating inviting gaps for mice. Replace any worn seals and add brush strips under doors to block entry. Pay special attention to garage doors, a favourite entry point for mice due to typically larger gaps.
Vents and Chimney
Mice can also get in through vents and chimneys. Protect these openings with fine galvanized wire mesh, which allows ventilation while keeping mice out. Ensure the mesh is securely attached and durable.
Interior Vigilance
Stay vigilant indoors, especially where walls meet floors, as mice frequently use these paths. Check behind kitchen cabinets, under sinks, and around appliances for gaps. Seal these thoroughly.
Garage and Basement Concerns
Since garages and basements are at ground level, they’re common entry points. Inspect and replace worn seals at the bottom of garage doors and basement windows. Pay close attention to junctions of walls with floors and ceilings in basements, sealing any openings.
Utility Lines and Pipes
Examine where utilities enter your home. Seal any gaps around pipes and wires inside and out with durable materials like caulk or cement, and consider using metal escutcheons to deter gnawing.
Garden Check
Your garden can also attract mice if not kept tidy. Reduce shelter opportunities by keeping woodpiles elevated and clearing out dense vegetation.
Regular Maintenance
Routine inspections can prevent mice from entering. Fix vulnerabilities promptly and adjust your strategies seasonally to account for new potential entry points.
Conclusion
To protect your home against mice, thoroughly identify and seal potential entry points. Use materials that resist gnawing and withstand the elements. Maintain constant vigilance and keep your home impenetrable to these pests.
