Every year, as the weather gets colder, rats and mice search for warm shelters. Sadly, our homes provide the ideal hiding places for them.

From chewing on cables to contaminating food, these tiny invaders can do a lot of damage. However, if you know where these crafty animals are hiding, you can rodent-proof your house more easily.

Let’s find the secret entrances rodents use to get into your house and investigate the best control techniques.

1. Sneaking in Through Cracks and Gaps

Some rodents can squeeze through openings as small as 12 mm, the size of a coin. That’s why never underestimate their determination. If they cannot fit through a hole, they will chew on it until they create an entryway.

Entry spots could be cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, and even areas beneath doors. 

Once inside, the rodents will quickly establish themselves in your basement, attic, or walls. That’s why it’s highly advisable to seal any openings using expanding foam or caulking to stop this. 

Spots where cables or pipes enter the house are often overlooked, so be sure to pay particular attention to these areas. Door sweeps and weather stripping will help in closing the gaps under windows and doors as well. 

The first step in rat management is always a proactive strategy to close up access points, particularly before the temperature drops too low. Hence, keep regular house maintenance at the top of your list.

2. Chewing Their Way Through Vents and Pipes

Rodents are renowned for their strong chewing ability. Their teeth grow continuously, requiring them to chew regularly to keep them sharp and maintain their proper length.

Sadly, vents and pipes become perfect targets for their destructive behaviour. Rats seeking warmth and food could find it in dryer vents, air vents, or even the cracks around pipes.

Though you probably did not give the exhaust vent of your dryer any thought, it could be a rat’s point of access.

Here, metal mesh screens can be a good fix since they let the air flow while keeping the mice out. Besides, you really should inspect the plumbing in your house. 

Make sure there are no holes or breaches where pipes enter your house. If needed, think about including metal guards. 

Rat management depends on keeping rodents out of these sensitive places to prevent an outbreak before it starts.

3. Squeezing Through Roof Openings

Rats and mice are great climbers, so don’t be misled to assume they prefer the ground. Easy access to your roof comes easily from overhanging plants, vines, or even brick wall corners. 

Once above, they can slip in via openings in eaves, soffits, or broken roof tiles.

Especially following storms, routinely check your roof and gutters since damaged areas are ideal for rodent access. Repair any cracked tiles and cover voids with wire mesh or steel wool. 

Limiting access also comes from cutting back tree branches or other vegetation close to your house. 

Letting rats onto your roof provides a direct route into your attic where they can breed, nibble on insulation, and gnaw on electrical wires. This ends up posing serious fire hazards. 

4. Finding a Way Through Garage Doors

One of the most underestimated places for stopping rodent access is the garage. Rats can easily enter from a slightly opened door.

The risks are higher if you keep pet food there. Once they are in your garage, it is just a short distance from the rest of your house.

Look at the bottom of your garage door and, if space exists, add a door seal. This is a simple approach to block one of the main points of entrance to your house. 

Furthermore, try not to leave your garage door open for long, particularly in the evening when mice are most active. 

5. Slipping in via Basements and Crawl Spaces

Often dark, wet, and infrequently used, basements and crawl spaces are ideal hiding places for rodents. They love these quiet places where they can nest free from disturbance. 

Like neon signals calling them in, gaps in the foundation or incorrectly sealed windows and doors to these areas are like invitations.

Look over your basement often for holes and other avenues of access. To prevent these mice from sliding in unseen, think about covering any vents in these places with metal mesh. 

Additionally, check crawl areas, since rats seeking nesting sites find the insulation there quite appealing. Staying alert will help you make these neglected spaces far less appealing to vermin seeking a warm refuge.

6. Dodging Through Utility Lines and Cable Entries

Rodents are skilled at taking advantage of any weakness they come across, including utility lines, phone cables, and even electric wires running into your house. 

If there are fractures allowing rats to infiltrate the walls, these lines give them a direct road to scuttle inside your house.

Closely examine these places to make sure any holes around utility wires are correctly sealed. Blocking these access spots is quite easy using silicone caulking or steel wool. 

Install metal guards around cables as well to stop vermin from gnawing on them. Though they are sometimes overlooked, utility entrance sites are absolutely important to check.

Professional Rat Control Solutions

Although do-it-yourself protection is vital, occasionally, rats make their way in despite your best efforts. In these situations, it’s smart to engage with a qualified rat control company. 

These specialists not only eradicate any current infestations but also do thorough searches to identify access places you possibly have missed. 

They will provide direction on maintaining your house rodent-free going forward. Plus, they assist in the execution of long-term solutions, including baiting and trapping.

Pest control experts also have access to cutting-edge rat control techniques, such as environmentally friendly traps. Ultrasonic deterrents generally do not harm pets or the surroundings. 

Over time, investing in expert services can save you a lot of hassle and provide you peace of mind. It’s good to know your house is completely guarded from these unwelcome visitors.

Conclusion

Rodents are clever animals constantly seeking fresh means of entering our homes, particularly as the colder months arrive. 

However, you can stop an infestation before it even begins by knowing their points of entrance and acting to close them off. Don’t hesitate to call in professional help when all else fails. 

Make sure your house remains a safe, comfortable place and rodent-free. A little awareness will help you enjoy the autumn without additional concern about any unwelcome furry visitors.