As the cool, damp weather settles into Bellingham, you aren't the only one looking to get cozy indoors. Mice and rats in Whatcom County are actively searching for warm, dry places to spend the winter. Unfortunately, your home offers the perfect shelter. These tiny invaders can cause significant problems, ranging from property damage to the spread of germs. Learning how to secure your home correctly is the most crucial step in keeping your family and your structure safe all season long.
Feeling concerned about noises in the walls or signs of rodents? We understand that this can be a stressful situation. Don't wait—we are here to help you secure your home now. Contact us for assistance right away by calling us at (360) 813-6590 or visiting our website to schedule an estimate.
Why Rodent Exclusion is Your Best Defense
Setting traps only addresses the rodents that are already inside; it doesn't prevent new ones from entering. Rodent exclusion is the process of ensuring that mice and rats cannot enter your house in the first place. Think of it as installing a secure, physical barrier around your home's foundation and roofline. This approach is highly responsible because it focuses on prevention and uses fewer chemicals inside your living spaces.
To understand why this is so important, consider how small these pests can be:
- A mouse can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime.
- A rat only needs an opening the size of a quarter.
Even small cracks in your foundation or gaps around pipes are like open doors to them. By sealing these access points with materials they can't chew through, you secure your home for the long term.
How to Find a Rodent's Entry Points
Locating where rodents are entering requires a careful and methodical search of your home's exterior. You need to inspect where utility lines and structural components intersect with the house.
Focus on the Foundation and Lower Level
Walk the perimeter of your house and pay close attention to the ground level:
- Utility Line Openings: Check where electrical, gas, or plumbing pipes enter your home. The builders sometimes leave gaps around these lines.
- Vents and Drains: Look for holes in basement windows, ground-level vents, and even dryer vents that may be missing covers or screens.
- Cracks and Gaps: Even fragile cracks in the concrete foundation or where the siding meets the foundation can be used by mice.
Don't Forget the Roofline and Attic
Rodents, especially rats, are excellent climbers and often enter homes from above.
- Roof and Chimney: Inspect your chimney, any vents, and the eaves (where the roof meets the wall) for broken screens or small openings.
- Tree Branches: Trim back any tree branches that are touching or hanging over your roof. These act as "bridges" for rats to climb directly onto your home.
Materials for Sealing Your Home
Once you find an entry point, you need to seal it with the right stuff. Because mice and rats have strong teeth, you can't just use plastic or regular caulk.
The Right Tools for the Job:
- Caulking and Sealants: Use a strong, concrete-based sealant or a silicone caulk to close thin cracks in brick or concrete.
- Knitted Wire Mesh: This material is soft enough to pack into irregular holes but is made of stainless steel that rodents cannot bite through. It is perfect for use around pipes and wires.
- Hardware Cloth: This is a strong, metal screen used to cover significant gaps, air vents, or openings under decks.
We understand that dealing with these vulnerabilities can feel overwhelming. If you need help securing your home, the trained team at Bio Bug Pest Management can handle the detailed work of rodent control in Bellingham, WA, using methods that are responsible and effective.
What to do After Exclusion is Complete
After all entry points are sealed, your focus should shift to removing the things that attract rodents in the first place. This maintenance routine helps make your home less appealing to any pests that may still be seeking food or shelter.
- Tidy Up the Yard: Remove debris, old wood piles, or overgrown bushes near the house. Rodents use these spots for cover.
- Secure Food Sources: Store all pet food, bird seed, and dry goods in airtight containers with secure lids. Don't leave trash cans uncovered or overflowing.
- Fix Leaks: Repair any dripping faucets or leaky pipes. Rodents need water, and a small leak can be a perfect water source for them.
By taking these steps, you reinforce the work of exclusion and help keep your home protected throughout the cold season.
Your Home Deserves Protection
Dealing with rodents is not something you have to handle alone. By implementing these structural and maintenance steps, you are protecting your most significant investment from costly damage and potential health issues. The team at Bio Bug Pest Management is here in Bellingham to assist with professional inspections and structural sealing for a secure winter.
To learn more about how we can help defend your property, call us directly at (360) 813-6590 or visit our website to get started.