What pro-active measures can homeowners take to reduce rodent intrusion?

 

It is much easier to control rodents outside of the structure rather than within, so the most successful and permanent form of rodent control is to “build them out”.

 

Frequent, visual home inspections for possible entrance points are recommended. If you do not have a contractor or handyman that can perform routine inspections for you in your abscence, it is strongly suggested that you enlist one's services, as soon as possible.

 

Use materials that are rodent “gnaw-proof” such as sheet metal, expanded metal, perforated metal, iron grills, hardware screen, and cement mortar. Materials having an opening of 1/4” or less will exclude both rats and mice.

 

• Seal all exterior openings greater than 1/4” in size to exclude mice and rats.

  • Don’t forget roof vents, roof eaves, roof intersections, and where the chimney intersects the roof. Use approved 1/4” galvanized hardware screen (16 to 20 gauge) or heavy gauge sheet metal with a rust resistant surface or concrete with 1/4” hardware screens to cover attic, foundation and crawl space vents.

 

Eliminate gaps around pipes, cables, and wires by covering with sheet metal, metal pipe collars, or sealing with cement mortar. Copper scrub pads can be stuffed in and around pipes then sealed w/foam. (Although steel wool is effective it deteriorates with moisture where as the copper will last much longer.) Spray foam is only a sealant from moisture and insects; metal pipe collars atop this application are suggested.

 

Install heavy gauge sheet metal at the bottom and sides of doors and insure that you have metal thresholds that abut all door closings tightly.

 

Redirect HVAC condensation lines draining directly under and next to structures. Create a mini French drain: small bucket or half of a 2 liter soda bottle with holes in the bottom will act as a form and prevent the stones from dissipating through the sand; punch holes in the bottom or remove the bottom completely; dig a hole under condensation line deep enough to submerge the bucket w/top @ ground level; fill with stone. DO NOT use shells as they act as spoons/bowls.

 

Remove all dead palm fronds, fallen branches, etc., from property, they decay and create heat enviornments that are perfect for nesting.

 

Trim tree limbs and tall plants six feet away from roof, attic vents, eaves, and utility lines to prevent crawling and jumping. RODENTS HATE OPEN SPACES. Remove ivy and other thick vegetation, and leave clearance beneath bushes to prevent harborage. Easy rule for ground foliage clearance from your home: place your left shoulder next to structure and your right next to foliage, you should be able to walk forward w/o touching either.

 

Replace pine straw and mulch surrounding the perimeter of your home with gravel/rounded small stone AT LEAST TWO TO THREE FEET is suggested, as stated above, rodents HATE open spaces. Anything that decomposes creates heat and moisture. If you were a Mom building a nest, what would you look for?

 

Remove ripe and fallen fruits and nuts, this includes bird feeders.

 

Remove dog droppings daily and feed pets away from vegetation and harborage areas. Do not allow food to set out over night.

 

Elevate stored items at least 18” off the ground. Remove ALL CLUTTER.

 

NC State Professor, Michael Waldvogel, supports “Community-Wide” action and recommends contacting a pest control company of your choice to request the installation of exterior bait stations surrounding your home; rodenticides not dispensed and monitored by professionals is strongly discouraged.