Pest Proofing

When should you close the holes?

This is a question we get all the time for mouse control issues. Quite often building managers or tenants will stuff some steel wool into a hole where they saw the mouse disappear and think they solved the problem. Unfortunately, the mouse (or more likely mice) is still alive, it now will either go next door, or chew a new hole (they can easily chew through drywall), or just go through another hole you were not aware of.

The correct time to close mouse holes is after the problem has been solved. Once the current infestation of mice is under control, then pest proofing efforts can and should take place. Closing holes which allow access between units, from pipe chases into units, and from the outside in, are great ways to permanently reduce the chances of and intensity of future pest problems.

Where to Look for Holes

Look for holes on the inside – around radiators, behind baseboard heaters, around piping, around stove outlets, behind fridges, beside cabinets.

Look for holes on the outside – under exterior doors, under parkade level doors, around utility penetrations (wires, pipes, gas lines, etc).

Look up! Rats, squirrels, raccoons and birds all gain access to buildings on the upper levels – soffit returns, gutter line gaps, roof top fan units, plumbing stack terminations, dryer and stove vents.

Each area requires a different material to close it permanently and properly (not just steel wool, and almost never expanding foam!), and our pest proofing crew would be happy to provide this service for you!