Why gaps matter more than traps.
A rodent that is trapped out of a house is replaced by another unless the opening is closed. Mice need a gap about the width of a pencil. Rats need about half an inch. Houses have far more such gaps than owners expect.
Of everything we do, exclusion is what endures. Done properly, it leaves a house that animals cannot enter, and the signs stop coming back.
Where the survey looks.
- Roof edges, soffits, ridge vents and chimney flashing.
- Openings where pipes, wires and gas lines enter walls.
- Foundation cracks, sill plates and crawl space vents.
- Garage doors, thresholds and utility doors.
- Dryer, bath and kitchen vent terminations.
- Siding joints, trim and the places where porches meet walls.
New Canaan is known for mid-century modern houses, and homes of that kind often have flat or low-slope roofs and wide overhangs. General experience suggests the joins around such roofs, where different materials meet, can hide small openings, so the technician checks them closely. Tell us the roof style and any recent roofing or window work when you call.
Materials that work.
| Material. | Used for. | Why it holds. |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal flashing. | Roof edges, door bases, large gaps. | Teeth cannot bite through it. |
| Hardware cloth. | Vents, crawl space openings. | Heavy gauge resists chewing. |
| Copper mesh with sealant. | Small gaps around pipes. | Packed tight, then sealed over. |
| Concrete or mortar patch. | Foundation cracks. | Permanent and rodent-proof. |
The material depends on the size and location of the gap. We avoid spray foam alone, because rodents chew it away within days.
The right order of work.
The sequence is inspect, trap, seal, clean. Sealing waits until trapping shows that the activity has dropped, so no animal is closed inside the structure. A final check confirms that the seals hold and that no fresh sign appears.
For the first stage, see the inspection page. For removal, see trapping and removal. If the animals have already damaged insulation or wiring, rodent damage repair follows.
Keeping the seals working.
Seals last, but houses move. Check vents and door corners each season, and after storms, roofing or tree work. A small gap noticed early costs far less than the problem it invites.
Cleanup safety steps from public health agencies
Rodent waste can carry germs, so technique matters more than speed. The steps follow the CDC cleanup page named at the bottom.
- Hold the broom. Dry droppings crumble, and sweeping turns them into dust you could inhale.
- Let outside air flow through a stale crawl space or storeroom for about half an hour first.
- Surfaces near waste can carry germs you cannot see, which is why gloves and handwashing both matter.
- Disinfect before you collect. Wet the waste fully and leave it roughly five minutes.
- Put waste in a bag, tie it off and drop it with the household trash. Never lift a dead rodent with bare hands.
- Flu-like illness or breathlessness after exposure is a job for a doctor. Mention the cleanup, and leave health judgments to them.
Public guidelines this page relies on
Curious whether the advice holds up? These pages are general references, so go and read them.
- CDC: hantavirus prevention: The seal-up guidance behind the sealing and housekeeping suggestions in this guide.
- CDC: cleaning up after rodents: Air it, wet it, bag it: the household routine in the CDC's words.
Ask about a same-day visit. If the schedule has room, you will hear right away.
Ring (888) 686-4821