Rodents don’t need your permission to move in. They’re incredibly resourceful at finding ways inside, and Pittsburgh homes offer countless entry points most homeowners never notice. Understanding how rats and mice get in is the first step to keeping them out.
They’re Smaller Than You Think
The most surprising thing about rodent entry is how little space they actually need. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, roughly ¼ inch. If you can fit a pencil through a gap, a mouse can get through it.
Rats need slightly more room but not much. A gap the size of a quarter, about ½ inch, is enough for a rat to push through. Their skulls are the only rigid part of their bodies, so if their head fits, the rest follows.
This means gaps that seem insignificant to you are highways for rodents.
Common Entry Points
Foundation Cracks and Gaps
Small cracks in your foundation are perfect rodent entryways. Over time, concrete develops cracks from settling, temperature changes, and water damage. Rodents find these openings easily and use them to access basements and crawl spaces.
Gaps Around Utility Lines
Everywhere pipes, cables, and wires enter your home, there’s a potential gap. Many Pittsburgh homes have gaps around:
- Gas lines
- Water pipes
- Electrical conduits
- Cable and internet lines
- Dryer vents
- Air conditioning lines
Builders often leave gaps around these utilities during installation, and sealants deteriorate over time, creating openings.
Damaged Vents and Screens
Attic vents, foundation vents, and crawl space vents need screens to keep rodents out. When screens rust, tear, or fall off, rodents walk right in. Dryer vents with broken flaps or missing covers are equally inviting.
Roof and Eave Gaps
The junction where your roof meets your walls often has small gaps, especially in older homes. Damaged soffit boards, missing shingles, or gaps around chimney flashing all provide roof access for climbing rodents.
Door and Window Gaps
Weather stripping deteriorates, door sweeps wear out, and gaps develop around window frames. Basement doors are particularly problematic because they’re often older and fit poorly. A gap under a door that lets in a draft also lets in mice.
Garage Doors
The seal at the bottom of garage doors wears out quickly, especially with Pittsburgh’s temperature swings. Gaps between the door sections or where the door meets the frame give rodents easy access. Once in your garage, they often find ways into your main living space.
How to Seal Your Home
Walk around your property and inspect every potential entry point. Look low, near the foundation, and high, around the roofline.
Seal Gaps with Proper Materials
Don’t use spray foam alone. Rodents chew through it easily. Instead, stuff steel wool into gaps first, then cover with foam or caulk. For larger openings, use hardware cloth (¼ inch mesh) or sheet metal before sealing.
Fix Foundation Issues
Fill foundation cracks with concrete patch or hydraulic cement. For larger cracks, you might need professional foundation repair.
Install Door Sweeps
Add or replace door sweeps on all exterior doors, paying special attention to basement and garage doors. The sweep should make firm contact with the threshold when the door is closed.
Repair or Replace Screens
Check all vent covers and repair or replace damaged screens. Use metal screening rather than plastic, which rodents chew through.
Trim Vegetation
Keep tree branches at least 6 feet from your roof. Trim shrubs away from your foundation. Rodents use vegetation as bridges to reach your home.
Address Gaps Around Utilities
Use steel wool and caulk around utility entry points. For larger gaps, install metal flashing or escutcheon plates designed to seal around pipes.
Eliminate Attractants
Sealing entry points only works if you also remove what’s attracting rodents in the first place.
Store garbage in sealed metal or heavy plastic bins. Don’t leave pet food out overnight. Keep birdseed in sealed containers and clean up spills under feeders. Fix leaking outdoor faucets and eliminate standing water.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and elevate it off the ground. Remove debris, old lumber, and clutter from around your foundation where rodents nest.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
If you’re already seeing signs of rodents inside your home, sealing entry points alone won’t solve the problem. You need to eliminate the existing population first, then seal their access routes.
Professional rodent control identifies all entry points, including ones you’d never find on your own. At Stewart Termite & Pest Control, we’ve been solving rodent problems in Pittsburgh homes for nearly 30 years. We know where rodents enter, how to eliminate them completely, and how to seal your home properly to prevent future infestations.
If rodents are getting into your Pittsburgh home, call us at 412-822-7610. We’ll inspect your property, identify all entry points, eliminate the current infestation, and implement exclusion measures that keep rodents out for good.