Seal entry points for mice and rats
Why it matters
Cold-weather rodent push: gaps >1/4 inch allow entry. Infestations are expensive to eliminate and create health and fire hazards.
Stop forgetting to do this.
Hearth generates a personalized maintenance schedule so you never miss another seal entry points for mice and rats.
How to do it
- 1
Walk the entire perimeter of your home's foundation in daylight.
- 2
Look for cracks, gaps, and holes in the foundation, sill plate, and rim joist.
- 3
Check around pipes, vents, cable entries, and utility penetrations.
- 4
Use a flashlight to see gaps clearly; any opening >1/4 inch is a potential entry point.
- 5
Apply weatherstripping tape to small gaps under doors and windows.
- 6
Use caulk for gaps 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide, and expanding foam for larger openings.
- 7
For gaps too large for caulk, install 1/4-inch hardware cloth first, then caulk or foam over it.