How Rodents Find Their Way In

6 Surprising Entry Points on Your Property

Rodents are among the most adaptable and resourceful pests, capable of squeezing through the smallest of gaps to infiltrate homes and businesses. Once inside, they can spread disease and cause significant damage to a property. Understanding how rodents gain entry into your home or business is an important part of a complete rodent protection plan.

Here are six common – and not so common – entry points rodents use to invade your space and our top tips for eliminating these vulnerabilities.

1. Cracks and Gaps in Walls

Rodents, especially mice, can fit through spaces as small as a pencil width. Cracks in exterior walls, foundation gaps, and spaces around utility lines provide perfect entry points for these unwelcome visitors. Over time, rodents gnaw at these openings to make them larger.

Prevention Tip: Regularly inspect the exterior of your property for any cracks or gaps. Seal these with durable materials like steel wool combined with caulk, as rodents cannot chew through steel wool.

2. Doors and Windows

Poorly sealed doors and windows, especially those close to the ground, are common access points for rodents. Gaps underneath doors also provide an easy path inside.

Prevention Tip: Install door sweeps and ensure windows are properly fitted. Use screens to block entry when windows are open for an additional layer of protection.

3. Roof Openings

Rodents are excellent climbers and can access your roof via overhanging branches or rough-textured walls. Once on the roof, they exploit openings around vents and loose shingles to gain entry.

Prevention Tip: Trim tree branches away from your property and inspect your roof regularly for any visible light or airflow from outside. Seal roof openings with hardware cloth or metal flashing. 

4. Vents

Rodents can crawl through vents, such as those used for dryers or kitchen exhausts gaining direct access into the interior of a property.

Prevention Tip: Install vent covers or screens designed to block rodent entry while maintaining airflow. Check these regularly for wear and tear.

5. Drains and Sewer Pipes

Rats are adept swimmers and can navigate through sewer systems to emerge from toilets, sinks, or other drainage outlets. This is more common in urban areas but can happen anywhere with old or damaged plumbing.

Prevention Tip: Use rodent-proof drain covers and regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks or vulnerabilities.

6. Utility and Pipe Openings

The spaces where cables, pipes, and utility lines enter your building are usually larger than necessary, leaving gaps that rodents can exploit.

Prevention Tip: Seal these areas with expanding foam, caulk, or metal mesh to ensure a tight fit around all utility penetrations.

Regular inspections and vigilance are key to keeping a rodent infestation at bay. Conduct monthly checks around your property to identify new vulnerabilities or signs of rodent activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks. Ensure trash is always secure and keep your property clean and clutter free. Working with a pest professional to assist with advanced proofing techniques along with baiting and traps will result in an integrated approach that will guarantee complete protection against rodents.

Think you've seen rodents on your property?

If you’re ready to rodent proof your home or business, get in touch.

Our team of experts have extensive local experience and are trained monthly on the very best technologies and processes for rodent control. 

Don’t let rodents damage your property!

Call us on 242 322 2157 or contact us online and we’ll contact you within 24 hours to help you control rodents in your residential or business premises.