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Mice often find their way into homes when the cold weather comes. Ffaced with hostile weather conditions, they go looking for warmth and sources of food. To keep them from getting into the building and making themselves at home, our pest control specialists recommend using a sealing and caulking service.

Why is sealing and caulking a good way to prevent mouse infestations? In this article, we try to provide answers by presenting different rodent-proofing solutions and the advantages they offer.

What is rodent-proofing?

On any given property, there are many entry points for pests. Of course, larger species will have a harder time getting in through narrow openings, but some rodents, including mice, need very little space to gain access to a building.

That’s why it’s best to install physical barriers to reduce the number of holes, cracks and spaces in the building to a minimum before the rodents make an appearance. These precautions are called preventive rodent-proofing.

What are the best rodent-proofing materials?

Preventive rodent-proofing can be done using a variety of materials, including cement, expanding foam, woven wire mesh and more. The size of the space that needs to be covered is a determining factor in deciding which type of material to use. Here are our picks for the three best rodent-proofing materials.

Woven wire mesh, an effective rodent-proofing material

One of the most effective ways to keep mice and rats out of your home is to install wire mesh screens at all of the entry points they might use. The mesh is usually made of iron and can be adapted to control different types of pests.

While wire mesh screens are very effective at preventing pests, installing them requires in-depth knowledge of all of your home’s entry points.

Hemp to deter mice and rats

Hemp is a natural, eco-friendly material with excellent insulating properties. It is impervious to moisture, making mold less likely to occur in your home.

Hemp wool is also a natural rodent repellent, making it a very effective insulation material for deterring mice and rats. However, if pests manage to find their way into your home despite your best efforts, contact a qualified exterminator without delay.

Mouse-proofing silicone sealant to keep out rodents

Silicone sealant has a number of advantages. It is non-toxic and safe for the building’s residents, and can be used to keep rodents away because it is difficult to chew through.

Mouse-proofing silicone sealant may be the best solution depending on where the entry points to your home are. This type of sealant is best suited for use on surfaces made of glass or metal.

What are the benefits of rodent-proofing?

Rodent-proofing is the best way to keep pests out of your house, particularly when it comes to rodents who can slip through the slightest space to take advantage of the many comforts your home has to offer.

An eco-friendly pest control strategy

One of the advantages of rodent-proofing is that it eliminates the need for pesticides and other chemicals, since the infestation is prevented from occurring in the first place.

Furthermore, barriers such as wire mesh allow the air to circulate freely.

Materials that rodents cannot gnaw through

To keep rodents such as mice and rats out effectively, it’s crucial to use the right materials. These pests are able to chew through wood, plastic and even some types of sealants, but woven wire mesh is a barrier that they will not be able to penetrate.

When properly installed, these rodent-proofing solutions leave no way for rodents to get through. They may try, but they will be discouraged once they realize the difficulty of the task.

Potential problems avoided

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If rodents are allowed to infiltrate your home, the damage they cause can be significant, particularly since their droppings pose risks to human health.

An infestation will require professional intervention from a team that offers multiple pest control services, including extermination and decontamination of the affected areas. The intervention can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to avoid it altogether with preventive rodent-proofing!

 

Do you have a question? Take advantage of a free consultation with our experts!

 

How to prevent infestations with rodent-proofing

It’s best to have rodent-proofing done by a specialist to ensure its effectiveness. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, here are the three main steps to follow.

1. Inspect your home to look for entry points

Since a mouse can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime, it’s important to inspect the building carefully before starting your rodent-proofing.

This first stage can already benefit from the expertise of a pest control specialist. A professional will be able to find all potential entry points and develop a suitable action plan. It’s important not to leave anything to chance—the whole building should be inspected with a fine-tooth comb.

Entry points often used by small rodents, such as the roof (between the soffit and the brick, the attic vent), ventilation ducts, foundation, windows and doors should be particularly scrutinized.

2. Choose the right rodent-proofing material

Once the entry points have been identified, rodent-proofing with wire mesh screens or silicone sealant can begin. As mentioned above, the entire strategy hinges on choosing the right material—if the material is inadequate, rodents might be able to chew through it and gain entrance even if your home has only just been sealed.

3. Install the material correctly

The final step is installing the material over potential entry points.

By entrusting the installation to a specialist with an RBQ licence, you can rest assured that the work will be done in a clean, aesthetically-pleasing and ethical way. The professional will also be able to provide you with guarantees about the effectiveness of the strategy.

Keep rodents away for good with Elite Pest Control

It’s clear that rodent-proofing is by far the best way to guard against mouse infestations. That being said, it’s important to make sure that the entry points are found and sealed in a thorough manner. The materials used to create the barrier must also be adequate.

A certain amount of pest control knowledge and expertise is required to master the particulars of rodent-proofing. If you’d like expert advice or assistance preventing rodent infestations, don’t hesitate to contact Elite Pest Control.

Pascal Rock
Pascal Rock  
Director, Elite Pest Control
Founder and mainstay of Elite Pest Control, Pascal Rock has embodied expertise and dedication for over a decade. His training, acquired with expert mentors in extermination and pest decontamination, has shaped an outstanding professional. Under his leadership, a team of six seasoned technicians deploys the very best pest control strategies. Together, they ensure the peace of mind and safety of residents and professionals from Montreal to Quebec City, by offering fast, effective interventions, available at all times.