Rodent prevention
Rodent-Proofing Basics: Entry Points, Food and Harborage
Reduce repeat rodent activity by pairing trapping with entry-point repair, sanitation and storage improvements.
Why exclusion matters
Removing the animals present does not prevent new rodents from entering. Exclusion addresses openings and building defects; sanitation reduces the food, water and shelter that support continued activity. These steps make monitoring and trapping more effective over time.
Inspection priorities
- Gaps around pipes, cables, vents and utility lines
- Door sweeps, loading doors and damaged thresholds
- Openings at foundations, eaves, roofs and wall junctions
- Food spills, unsecured waste and accessible animal feed
- Clutter, dense vegetation and stored materials against walls
Close, clean and verify
Mice can fit through an opening about 1/4 inch wide, so small defects matter. Use durable materials suited to the opening and building condition. After repairs, continue checking monitors and looking for fresh droppings, gnawing or tracks to confirm that activity has stopped.