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Fall & Winter Rodent Proofing Checklist
Inspect all exterior wall openings and cracks â mice can squeeze through a gap as small as 6mm (pencil thickness); stuff with steel wool first, then seal with caulk; this is the single most critical seasonal rodent prevention task
Install or replace door sweeps on all exterior doors â shine a bright flashlight from the inside along the door bottom; if you see light, a mouse can get in; the sweep must make full contact with the ground
Check all exterior wall utility penetrations (gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, internet lines, AC conduits) â every single one must be sealed with steel wool plus caulk; utility penetrations are the number one rodent entry route
Inspect attic ventilation openings, roof exhaust vents, and chimney caps â all must have intact stainless steel pest mesh with openings smaller than 6mm; replace any damaged screening immediately
Move outdoor firewood piles at least 6 meters away from the house and at least 30cm off the ground on a rack â firewood piles are the perfect winter den for rodents and snakes
Clear fallen leaves, weeds, and debris within 3 meters of the house â these are rodent cover pathways; clearing them exposes rodents to predators (owls, hawks)
Seal all indoor baseboard gaps and the gaps between cabinetry and walls â use caulk; rodents prefer to travel along wall edges and every gap is an entry point
Transfer all food (including pet food, birdseed, grass seed) stored in the garage, basement, or attic into sealed hard plastic or metal containers
Before winter, inspect all indoor snap traps and glue boards â replace expired or non-functional devices; focus placement on corners, under cabinets, in the garage, and in the attic
Check the garage door bottom and side seals â the garage is the transfer station where rodents move from outdoors into living spaces; this checkpoint must be secure
If you hear scratching sounds inside walls or ceilings (especially noticeable at night and early morning) â immediately inspect the attic and crawl space; look for droppings and gnaw marks; proceed with professional-guided exclusion and control
Fall & Winter Rodent Proofing Checklist
Inspect all exterior wall openings and cracks â mice can squeeze through a gap as small as 6mm (pencil thickness); stuff with steel wool first, then seal with caulk; this is the single most critical seasonal rodent prevention task
Install or replace door sweeps on all exterior doors â shine a bright flashlight from the inside along the door bottom; if you see light, a mouse can get in; the sweep must make full contact with the ground
Check all exterior wall utility penetrations (gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, internet lines, AC conduits) â every single one must be sealed with steel wool plus caulk; utility penetrations are the number one rodent entry route
Inspect attic ventilation openings, roof exhaust vents, and chimney caps â all must have intact stainless steel pest mesh with openings smaller than 6mm; replace any damaged screening immediately
Move outdoor firewood piles at least 6 meters away from the house and at least 30cm off the ground on a rack â firewood piles are the perfect winter den for rodents and snakes
Clear fallen leaves, weeds, and debris within 3 meters of the house â these are rodent cover pathways; clearing them exposes rodents to predators (owls, hawks)
Seal all indoor baseboard gaps and the gaps between cabinetry and walls â use caulk; rodents prefer to travel along wall edges and every gap is an entry point
Transfer all food (including pet food, birdseed, grass seed) stored in the garage, basement, or attic into sealed hard plastic or metal containers
Before winter, inspect all indoor snap traps and glue boards â replace expired or non-functional devices; focus placement on corners, under cabinets, in the garage, and in the attic
Check the garage door bottom and side seals â the garage is the transfer station where rodents move from outdoors into living spaces; this checkpoint must be secure
If you hear scratching sounds inside walls or ceilings (especially noticeable at night and early morning) â immediately inspect the attic and crawl space; look for droppings and gnaw marks; proceed with professional-guided exclusion and control