Keep mice from entering your home by plugging holes.
Mice are a common problem encountered in household maintenance. The Illinois Department of Health says they are considered among the most troublesome pests in the U.S. It is important to seal openings larger than one-fourth of an inch wide, according to the IDH. Plugging rat nests keeps them from gaining entry into a home.
Instructions
1. Pack steel wool into visible holes and cracks. You can use any grade of steel, as long as you can pack it tightly. Some might find thinner steel easier to work with. Thinner steel can also be packed more densely. The wool should be confined to the hole and not sticking out of the wall.
2. Squeeze caulking compound onto the steel wool until the caulk is even with the wall and no wool is visible. Use a sufficient amount of caulking compound to make the surface of your patch smooth. Otherwise, mice may chew through the compound or pull it out. You can use a putty knife to spread the caulking compound evenly.
3. Buy a concrete mixture at a home improvement or hardware store to patch cracks in building foundations. One type of concrete available is hydraulic cement, which will also seal water and moisture along with patching the hole. Keeping the moisture out is an added plus because rodents and insects are attracted to moisture.
4. Clean the area you plan to patch. Leave a small amount of water on the surface of the existing concrete that surrounds the crack. This will facilitate the bonding of materials.
5. Mix your concrete, following the directions on the package. You want the concrete to be paste-like.
6. Use a putty knife to apply cement to the crack. Push the cement as far into the crack as possible.
7. Smooth the cement with the knife.
8. Keep the cement covered for several days until it dries. Follow the instructions on the package for adding water each day.
9. Patch the holes surrounding pipes and conduits entering the foundation using the same method.
Tips Warnings
Wrap pipes in duct tape before exposing them to concrete.
For added protection, ensure doors and windows, including screens, are tight fitting.
Seek a professional exterminator if your mouse problem persists.
