RODENT PROOFING WARMINSTER, PA
Posted by Admin
Rodents are bad news when they infest your home. From causing damage to making your family sick, rats and mice are behind some of the worst pest infestations.
That's why it's critical to request rodent proofing from a trusted professional in the pest management business.
Here's a look at what our rodent proofing services cover.
HOLES AND OPENINGS
Did you know that rats can enter your home through any opening that is one-half inch across or larger? What about the fact that mice only need an opening of about one-quarter inch across?
These disturbing facts are well known to the rodent proofing professionals. That's why they look for even the smallest holes and openings in the exterior of your home.
Rats and mice have a pair of sharp, slightly curved front teeth. Because these teeth have an inward curve, it is really hard for rodents to gnaw into any surface that is hard and flat. Accordingly, they look for edges or raw surfaces that are ideal for sinking their teeth into. In fact, rodents are able to gnaw into almost any material to create an opening or enlarge an existing hole.
Because of this ability, rodent proofing technicians have to use materials like copper gauze, wire screens and steel wool to cover up any holes and openings in building exteriors. Such durable materials are ideal for stuffing into holes as a temporary solution. A more permanent solution involves a quick-drying patching plaster and perhaps filling in the hole with an anchoring material and some copper gauze or steel wool. The hole can then be smoothed over so that no obvious imperfections can be seen.
If the hole is three inches or greater in diameter, then the technician will back it with one-quarter inch woven or welded hardware cloth before the hole is filled with a reliable patching compound. Holes of a six-inch or greater diameter are better addressed with a sheet metal patch. Some of these materials are equipped with self-adhesive backing and mesh adhered to the surface to ensure better sticking power.
Even larger openings, or certain parts of the home that are particularly vulnerable to gnawing, may be fixed with woven or welded hardware cloth that is designed to keep its shape when cut. This cloth can cover up gaps after the holes behind them are filled with foam caulk or a fast-drying interior patching compound. If a hole is located on the home's exterior, then the technician may use concrete mortar, plaster or a concrete patching product.
VENTS AND WINDOWS
Windows and doors can be extremely vulnerable to rodent gnawing. Usually, it is advisable to utilize metal window screening materials to protect these vulnerabilities. It is wise to put screens over ventilation openings and windows. One of the best materials for this job is woven or welded galvanized hardware cloth. These screens are particularly crucial in all commercial and agricultural buildings where rodent populations are likely to be dense. Similarly, neighborhoods that are plagued by rodent issues will benefit from use of such cloth to protect vents.
The technician may add crossbars as support to the hardware cloth when the openings are particularly large or are likely to be abused.
It is wise to have all duct and vent openings for HVAC systems screened off as well. One alternative to screens is an excluder device that is designed to prevent rodents from gaining access.
Mouse-proofing cold air return grills is accomplished with one-quarter inch hardware cloth behind the grill so that it is not so visible. Power vents may be protected with hinged and louvered metal plates that open to permit air flow and shut down when the fan turns off. It is essential that the louvers fit tightly with sides appropriately recessed so that rodents are unable to push through them.
EXTERIOR DOORS
Ideally, all exterior doors will fit tightly within their frames without leaving any holes or gaps. The distance between the bottom edge of the door and the threshold generally should not exceed one-quarter of inch. If the bottom gap is larger than this, then rodent proofing the door may involve building up the threshold rather than modifying the door, which is a much easier process that leaves the door intact.
Frequently, a metal threshold will be fastened to the floor to improve rodent proofing. Another approach is to embed steel pipes in concrete flooring. Such a remedy makes it easy for doors to swing open yet is an excellent deterrent to rodents. This solution is particularly effective in exterior doors that routinely accommodate livestock, heavy equipment or pallet jacks.
On softwood doors, a metal channel or some flashing may be added to the door's lower edge. Moreover, a plastic door boot can be the ideal solution on a door that is little-used and that has edges that are not readily accessible to gnawing rodents.
When flashing is used, it typically will extend to approximately one-eighth of an inch of the door's edge on the sides and bottom.
If you need to rodent proof roll-up doors, the technician may use the same material that is used to make conveyor belts. This material is easily shaped so that it can bit into side channels on the door frame or even mounted on the top door jamb.
If the customer has family members who frequently forget to close exterior doors, then it may be wise to look into adding mechanical door-closing devices. A well-closed door keeps rodents outdoors where they belong. When a door is being opened to provide ventilation, ensure that it is protected with a durable screen door. Screen doors that have bent frames are ineffective and will allow rodents indoors, so these need to be repaired or replaced.
FOUNDATIONS & FLOORS
Foundations sometimes are imperfectly poured, and it further is possible that there are flaws in the spots where the siding or wall framing join with the foundation. All of these imperfections are easy access points for rodents.
The technician may suggest using plaster, concrete or heavy-duty metal sheeting to cover up these gaps ad holes.
It further is possible that rodents can get indoors by burrowing beneath floors and foundations. Such problems are particularly likely in buildings that have piers or a shallow foundation. It's wise to extend foundation walls below the ground's surface by a distance of at least 36 inches. Additionally, the technician may suggest adding a horizontal footing extension to deflect rodents from burrowing too close to the foundation.
Cracks that are discovered in foundations or floors may be fixed with masonry grout or concrete. The technician may choose from a variety of quick-setting products that are suitable for either exterior or interior use.
It also is sensible for homeowners to keep an approximately three-foot wide section around their foundation clear of weeds and other vegetation. Doing so removes a food source and eliminates cover that might hide burrowing activity.
INTERIOR RODENT PROOFING
When rodents have reached the home's interior, then it is wise to use traps and poison baits to kill them. Any deceased rodents must be removed before holes are covered to eliminate odors and insects that are attracted to decaying carcasses. Holes and gaps found in floors and walls may be sealed up with hardware cloth or galvanized metal and patching plaster. If new holes are discovered, it's smart to eliminate them as soon as possible.
It's common for rodents to gnaw on wall materials, especially in places like corners or where joints have an edge. If this is a problem in your home, then ask your rodent-proofing technician for assistance with correcting this issue.
It's possible that the perimeter insulation on your home was placed on the exterior of foundation walls. If the home builder did not use sandwich wall construction which involves placing insulation between concrete slabs, then it may be necessary to protect that insulation with a covering material like high-density fiberglass-reinforced plastic, cement board or coverings that can be troweled on.
DRAINS & PIPES
Sewage systems and drainage pipes are like highways for rodents. Accordingly, homeowners are encouraged to ensure that floor drains have metal grates with openings that do not exceed one-quarter inch. Sewer roof vents should be covered with half-inch hardware cloth in buildings that have rodent problems. The technician may recommend installing a rat guard, which is a one-way flap valve, on the toilets if rodents are known to be in the sewer system.
Sometimes, sewer laterals allow rodents to come indoors, so these should be inspected and improved. Similarly, rodents may use gutter downspouts to access roofs. Screening over the opening at the base of the downspouts can remedy this situation. Flap valves also may be used here, as they open when water is flowing but close down when conditions are dry.
If you are concerned about rodents getting into any part of your home, then it's time to contact a professional. Our rodent-proofing services are exactly what you need to ensure that your home won't be infiltrated by uninvited guests.
Schedule a FREE estimate today. 
