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Rodent proofing your residence 

Rodents in the walls and attic of your home are unnerving. Your house, garage, and sheds are favorite nesting places for rodents. These unwanted guests will set up housekeeping, rear their young, chew on electrical wires, feed on pet food, and anything else within reach.

Another reason to discourage rodents from sharing your residence is the possible chance of disease, not to mention the panic some people experience upon discovery of rodents indoors.

 Do not put out any baits or poisons if rodents are in your structure. Rats can die inside the walls or in your attic and can cause an odor problem and fly problem. 

Rodent proofing is an easy "Do-It-Yourself" project. The average home can be rodent proofed in one to two hours by a homeowner with average skills using common tools. All supplies needed are inexpensive and available through your local home improvement center.

SUGGESTED TOOLS NEEDED:

  • Hammer
  • Staple gun
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver
  • Putty knife
  • Ladder
  • Tin snips
  • Portable drill
  • Measuring tape

MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • ¼" Hardware cloth (sold by the yard)
  • House vent insert
  • Crawl space vent
  • Stucco or plaster patch
  • Bronze or steel wool
  • Door threshold
  • Door weather stripping
  • Flashing (sheet metal)
  • Wood snap traps
  • Metal trash can (for pet food)
  • Sheet metal screws
  • Expanding foam filler w/steel wool

Click here to view problems and solutions for examples of how to exclude rodents from your structure.