Every single mouse problem starts with openings found on the exterior of the house that allow the rodents to come and go undetected. In addition to mice removal, a critical step in solving any mouse problem is preventing them from re-entering your house. Because they are exceptional climbers and can fit through holes the size of a dime, they are very resourceful when it comes to gaining access into the inside of a home. Their activity peaks in the fall when they return to their indoor nests as outside temperatures drop. Although every home is different, the following are some common points of entry for them:
- Roof vents
- Door and window frames
- HVAC and utility lines
- Gaps between building materials
- Weep vents
Roof Vents Are A Good Place To Start Your Search
Removing mice from a home starts by identifying all of their points of entry, one of which is the roof. There are many potential access points on the roof for mice. Because they are great climbers, the aluminum and plastic vents on your roof are typically high enough for them to slip into your attic. Often enough, a very thin bug screen is all that stands between your attic and the furry invaders.
An unsealed gas line into the home provides an easy path for mice
Inspecting Door & Window Frames Is Essential When Removing Mice
Another easy access point for mice to enter homes are poorly sealed door and window frames. Mice are easily able to slip into a room or inside of the house by crawling under doors that are either too high off the ground or hang unevenly. They can also easily chew through loose rubber weather stripping on the underside of garage doors.
Mice are getting into this home through a chewed out door sweep. The brown staining indicates heavy activity.
HVAC & Utility Lines
Undertaking the challenge of mice removal also means thoroughly examining HVAC and utility lines that exhaust to the outside of a home. This is because these lines are often run through exterior walls. The opportunity for mice to enter external walls through a gap comes in the form of large holes cut out for running water and electrical lines, heating and air conditioning.
Don’t Forget Gaps Between Building Materials
Mice easily find a gap wherever different building materials meet on a home. Often enough, they’ll find a way in through the gap that typically exists between bricks and soffit. Soffits are commonly installed, even on new homes, with a small gap that allows mice to slip through. These gaps become even more pronounced as homes contract and expand through the seasons. This gap usually extends around the full perimeter of the home, making it especially worrisome. While removing mice, also make sure to check other gaps on your home, such as the roof-fascia gap, the roof-soffit gap, and the siding-foundation gap.
Weep Vents
Weep vents can be found on the exterior of a home, between bricks. They are essentially openings designed to allow drainage from the wall and access to air that helps dry the wall and structure. It is very important that these vents never be entirely sealed, as they greatly help extend the life of your bricks. However, the problem is that they are commonly large enough for mice to enter between the walls.
Mice removal is a serious business that typically requires professional involvement. Keep in mind that Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in preventing mice from getting into homes, as well as removing existing infestations. Experienced professionals know exactly what to look for, which is why they should be in charge of identifying all the dangers. Contact Skedaddle today to get rid of the mice in your home.
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