Mice often find their way into homes when the cold weather comes. Faced 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 rodent-proof 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.
Why is rodent-proofing important
Rodent-proofing is the best way to prevent mouse infestation. We often tend to focus on a problem once it has occurred, but rarely anticipate it when it involves finances. Yet caulking your home against rodents beforehand is extremely beneficial in saving you a huge amount of money on the risk of being invaded by rodents. 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.
And in the end, it’s not just about keeping mice away; it’s about safeguarding your family’s health and the integrity of your property while tackling the root of the problem. Mice are dangerous as they are notorious carriers of diseases like salmonella and hantavirus, not to mention they bring along pesky parasites like fleas. By keeping them out, you’re reducing the risk of illness and allergic reactions for everyone under your roof.
Then there’s the damage they can do. Mice love to chew on anything and everything, from wooden beams to electrical wiring. Their destructive habits can lead to costly repairs and even compromise the safety of your home. And mice chewing on electrical wiring is a major fire hazard. Short circuits and electrical malfunctions caused by their gnawing can put your home at risk. Mouse-proofing helps prevent these dangers, keeping your family and property safe from harm.
And don’t forget about food safety. Mice are experts at sniffing out snacks, but they leave behind a mess of droppings, urine, and hair that can contaminate your food. By mouse-proofing your kitchen and pantry, you’re keeping your grub safe and your family healthy.
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.
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!
Best rodent-proof insulation options
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. But do they all work? Mice are notoriously known for chewing on everything. So here are our picks for the 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, call in an extermination service without delay.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation
Closed-cell spray foam insulation creates a dense barrier that rodents have difficulty penetrating. It expands to fill gaps and cracks, providing excellent thermal insulation and air sealing properties. Since it adheres tightly to surfaces, it’s less susceptible to rodent intrusion compared to other insulation types, and as it doesn’t look like food, they would be less interested. However, it can be relatively expensive.
Cellulose insulation treated with borates
Borates are natural compounds that are toxic to rodents but safe for humans and pets. Cellulose insulation treated with borates can act as a deterrent to rodents, discouraging them from nesting in or chewing through the insulation. This option is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
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 mice can’t chew through?
Mice are known for their ability to chew through many materials, including wood, plastic, and even some metals. However, there are a few materials that are difficult for mice to chew through:
- Steel wool: Mice find it challenging to gnaw through steel wool because their teeth aren’t designed to break through such tough fibers.
- Glass: While not entirely impossible, mice generally avoid attempting to chew through glass due to its hardness and lack of taste or nutritional value.
- Concrete: These materials are too hard for mice to gnaw through, making them effective barriers if properly sealed.
- Galvanized metal: The zinc coating on galvanized metal makes it difficult for mice to chew through, acting as a deterrent.
- Copper or aluminum foil: Mice generally don’t attempt to chew through metal foils due to their texture and taste.
To get rid of rodents in the roof or your house effectively, it’s crucial to use the right materials. These pests can 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.
How to prevent infestations with rodent-proofing: 3 steps
We’ll never say it enough, but 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 3 main steps to follow.
1. Inspect your home to look for entry points
Since a mouse can squeeze in your house through a hole as small as a dime, it’s important to inspect the building carefully before starting your rodent-proofing. Use a flashlight to illuminate dark corners and crawl spaces where mice may hide. Take note of any signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nests, as these can indicate potential entry points. And if you see such signs, make sure to get rid of these rodents before sealing.
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. Install the right rodent-proofing material
Once the entry points have been identified, rodent-proofing 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.
Opt for high-quality options that are durable and resistant to gnawing, such as steel wool, copper mesh, or concrete. Seal all identified entry points with these materials, ensuring a tight and secure fit to prevent mice from squeezing through gaps. Additionally, consider using door sweeps, weather stripping, and rodent-proof screens to further fortify vulnerable areas like doors, windows, and vents.
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.
3. Monitor regularly
Rodent-proofing your home is not a one-time task; it requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to remain effective. Schedule routine inspections of your home to check for any new entry points or signs of rodent activity.
By staying vigilant and proactive in your rodent-proofing efforts, you can protect your home from unwanted intruders and minimize the risk of damage and health hazards associated with rodent infestations.
Rodent-proof insulation is Elite Pest Control’s business!
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, and your expert exterminators in Montreal know what they’re talking about.
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, contact contact Elite Pest Control now!
