Rodent Proofing your Property

Rodent Proofing your Property

The cold of winter is the perfect time for a rodent to seek warmth and shelter in your property, and the ideal time for you to think about keeping them out.

Rodent control within the home

Mice can squeeze themselves through holes as small as the width of a pen, so it is essential to make sure any gaps or holes around the perimeter of your building are sealed.

Weep holes and air bricks are frequently areas that require proofing work as these are common places that allow mice to enter. Ensure weep holes are fitted with covers and narrow-gauge mesh is fitted over air bricks. It is important that while thinking about protecting these entrance points, you make sure that you look both high and low, since mice can climb up brickwork with ease.

If you have any tall trees or hedges which grow next to your property ensure they are kept trimmed so they aren’t touching the roof eaves. Mice can climb up and use them as access into the roof space of your house. Placing bait in loft spaces or safely under kitchen unit kickboards, away from pets and children, is an excellent way to ensure control of mice in the home, along with mouse bait boxes throughout.

Rodent control in the garden

It is much more difficult for rats to gain entry into your home than mice, but they may be keen to invade your garden.

If you have compost, ensure that it is kept in compost bins and not loose. This can be a source of shelter and food and will encourage breeding. Rats needs access to water – whether through taps, puddles or ponds. Ensure dripping garden taps are fixed and evidence of rat droppings near a water source will require appropriate baiting

Garden sheds are another point of interest for rats. Prevent them from getting under sheds by affixing tough wire mesh around the bottom. Placing bait boxes in these areas will also allow you to control any rats that take up shelter.

Finally, one of the most common attractants for rats are bird feeders. Spilled grain is like a fast food source to keep rats happy, so these feeders should be removed until control has been achieved.

Helpful Links

To learn more about rodent control, check out our rodent control training courses here.

To view our range of rodenticides, follow this link.