Common Entry Points, DIY Solutions & Trapping Advice
At Berner Pest Solutions, we’ve spent years helping homeowners in Lexington and surrounding areas tackle rodent problems. Our extensive experience has given us valuable insights into the most common entry points for mice and best practices for sealing homes to keep rodents out for good. While we offer professional, long-term rodent control solutions, we understand that not everyone can afford professional services or may simply prefer a DIY approach. That’s why we’re happy to share expert tips on how to get rid of mice effectively and prevent them from returning.
Identifying Rodent Entry Points Based on Foundation Type
One of the first steps in rodent-proofing your home is determining your foundation type. Different foundations present different vulnerabilities when it comes to rodent entry. For example, homes with crawlspaces and, to a lesser extent, basements, tend to be more susceptible to rodent infestations. In contrast, homes built on concrete slabs usually have fewer potential entry points.
Rodent-Proofing a Home with a Concrete Slab Foundation
If your home sits on a concrete slab, rodents often find their way in through the following areas:
- Exterior dryer vent covers (especially at ground level)
- Utility line penetrations (electrical, plumbing, or HVAC)
- Garage doors
1. Exterior Dryer Vent Covers
Mice can easily slip through standard dryer vent covers. We recommend upgrading to a rodent-proof dryer vent cover, such as the Dryer Wall Vent made by InOvate, which features two small magnets to keep the flap shut when not in use. This is a relatively easy but critical step in most mouse removal projects we take on.
2. Sealing Utility Line Penetrations
Gaps where electrical, plumbing, or HVAC lines enter the home are common entry points for mice. To seal these gaps:
- Use rodent-proof fill fabric such as Xcluder, which combines stainless steel wool with polyester fibers.
- Secure the fabric in place with an exterior-grade adhesive sealant, such as NPC Solar Seal #900, a popular choice among pest control and wildlife exclusion professionals. This not only deters pests but also enhances aesthetics.
3. Garage Door Protection
Garage doors can be particularly tricky to seal against rodents. Mice often enter through the lower corners, where they may gnaw through rubber seals. To prevent entry:
- Consider using a rodent-resistant garage seal (Xcluder offers effective options).
- Alternatively, install sheet metal trim coil, which can be cut with snips and found at most hardware stores to close off gaps under doors. Many stores offer colors that blend with your existing garage door.
- Ensure any gap under the door is no larger than 1/4 inch to block mice (rats need 1/2 inch to squeeze through).
Rodent-Proofing a Crawlspace Foundation
Homes with crawlspaces are particularly prone to rodent infestations due to increased access points. In addition to the entry points mentioned above, crawlspace homes require attention to:
- Foundation vents: Install rodent-proof vent covers or reinforce existing vents with 1/4-inch hardware cloth to block mice. Hardware cloth, available at most hardware stores, is highly effective and can be cut to size using metal snips. Secure it using 1/4″ x 1″ Tapcon screws.
- Foundation access doors: Replace deteriorated doors with tight-sealing, rodent-proof doors. Building a custom door using wood can be a cost-effective option; just ensure no gaps exceed 1/4 inch.
- Decks and porches: If you have a deck or porch adjacent to your home, rodents can enter your crawlspace through these areas. If these spaces are inaccessible, installing a dig-barrier from the porch edge down into the dirt can help. PVC-coated hardware cloth is a widely available and effective option for this purpose.
Additional Mouse Removal Considerations Based on Siding Type
Your home’s siding material also plays a role in potential entry points:
- Vinyl siding: Mice can exploit gaps in corner channels. We typically cut and build our own from sheet steel, but Kritter Caps are a great consumer-friendly option designed for this specific purpose.
- Brick homes: Weep holes (small gaps for ventilation) can be entry points. Several products are available to help exclude weep holes effectively.
- Stone siding (especially older homes): Mortar deterioration can create gaps over time. If you lack masonry experience, hiring a professional is advisable to maintain your home’s aesthetics.
Common Attic Entry Points
Mice can also enter attic spaces through various gaps and openings along the roofline. It is important for any mouse removal project that tree limbs be trimmed at least several feet away from your roof if possible to prevent easy access onto the roof. The most frequent entry points we see in our experience include (but are not limited to):
- Cornice returns
- Soffit returns (soffit-roof junctions where the roof lines change)
- Frieze board (check for gaps under the board)
- Vents
- Ridge & Roof Vents
- Louvered Vents (i.e. Gable Vents) – Especially if trees or power lines are near gable ends.
Trapping Mice: A How-To Guide
Snap Traps
In addition to rodent-proofing your property, removing the existing mice living in your walls, crawlspace, and other areas is a crucial part of the process. The most effective method for doing so is typically trapping. Using traps correctly is essential to get rid of mice efficiently. For snap traps, we recommend the tried & true wood options from Victor, a reliable and cost-effective option for homeowners.
Live Traps
While live traps are an option for those who prefer a non-lethal approach, it’s important to note that relocating rodents to a new environment can be harmful. Studies have shown that moving mice to unfamiliar locations increases their stress levels and can negatively impact their health and survival rates. If you choose to use live traps, we recommend releasing the rodent on your own property (after exclusion work is performed) to minimize these risks.
Best Practices for Setting Mouse Traps
- Pre-Baiting: Before setting traps, place bait (we definitely recommend trying to match whatever they have been eating in your home, but peanut butter & sunflower seeds usually work great) on the trigger and position the traps along walls or areas where mouse activity is evident. Leave the traps unset for at least two nights to allow mice to feed on the bait without triggering the trap. This helps prevent trap aversion and increases the likelihood of successful captures.
- Strategic Placement: Set as many traps as possible along walls, behind appliances, and in areas where you’ve noticed droppings or gnaw marks.
- Use Multiple Traps: Mice are quick breeders, so it’s essential to use multiple traps for effective control. Place traps 2-3 feet apart for maximum effectiveness.
- Check Traps Regularly: Check traps daily and dispose of any caught mice promptly to prevent odor issues and avoid deterring other mice from approaching.
- Leave the traps unset and check if any bait has been taken. After you get rid of mice, this method helps confirm that they’re no longer a problem.
Victor’s website (linked above) likely also has some great how-to guides & best practices for consumers.
Note on Glue Boards: While glue boards can be effective for catching mice when placed along areas of traffic, we are not fans of glue boards for several reasons. First, they often cause prolonged suffering for the trapped animal. Second, many homeowners struggle with the ethical dilemma of handling a live, stuck mouse and may be unsure of how to humanely dispose of it. For these reasons, we do not use glue boards as part of our professional services based on 12+ years of experience in this field.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Mice through DIY Methods
Mice are persistent and can squeeze through incredibly small gaps, but by systematically sealing entry points and using an effective trapping strategy, you can get rid of mice and keep them from coming back. Regular inspections and home maintenance are key to long-term rodent prevention. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need professional assistance, Berner Pest Solutions is here to help. Contact us for expert advice or professional rodent-proofing services in Lexington and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for more info on our process or need wildlife control solutions for animals such as squirrels or racoons, we’ve got you covered in our recent guide to Lexington Rodent Control & Wildlife Recommendations.
By following this guide, homeowners can take effective steps toward a mouse-free home while improving their property’s overall pest resistance. Ready to get started & get rid of your mice? Tackle these DIY rodent-proofing solutions today!
