Professional Secrets For A DIY Rodent Exclusion – Part 2

Searching for professional secrets to perform a DIY rodent exclusion? These pro-tips from Perimeter Wildlife can help you get on your way to a rodent free home.

If you are a DIYer, you sometimes want to handle projects on your own. How can you go about performing a rodent exclusion on your own without any experience in doing so?

Luckily Perimeter Wildlife Control’s professional tips can help you to get a more solid result. Read on and in our newest multi-article series you can find out what are some of the best practices used by professionals all over the world to perform a DIY rodent exclusion.

Steel flashing installed by Perimeter Wildlife Control during a rodent exclusion to prevent rats from entering into a client’s attic.

Rodent Exclusion Materials

In part 2 of this multi-article series we talk about the materials that you should be using during your DIY rodent exclusion. Materials used are a key factor in performing a successful DIY rodent exclusion. If subpar materials are used, the rodent exclusion process may only work temporarily before the critters make their way back into your home or structure.

Metal Flashing and Fasteners

Metal flashing can help make a permanent repair to many rodent entry points around your effected structure. This flashing will be installed over roofline, siding, or eave gaps.  The flashing should preferably be made of steel not aluminum.

If aluminum is to be used, it is recommended to use a thicker type of aluminum. Rodents can chew through thinner aluminum flashing because it is softer than steel.

The fasteners used to secure the metal flashing is also very important. You should not be using screws that are uncoated and not meant to be exposed to the outside weather elements. We frequently see poorly performed rodent exclusions where interior drywall screws are used. The rodent exclusions aforementioned usually have some type of re-entry issue because of fastener failure. These screws are uncoated and not designed to be outside.

That means that they are not protected against rust, which in turn can lead to fastener failure. Additionally rusting screws that were used to secure flashing can streak rust stains onto other building materials on your home, making them an eye sore. Any screws used on the exterior of your home should be galvanized or have some other protective coating so they do not rust or deteriorate.

Hardware Cloth or Mesh Screening

Hardware cloth or screening used in the rodent exclusion process should be made of metal not fabric. The 1/4 inch welded wire hardware cloth is the choice of most wildlife control professionals. This is due to the mesh grid being large enough to allow air flow, but small enough to keep out the smallest of rodents.

This material can be used to screen just about any vent, excluding dryer vents. Dryer vents can become a fire hazard if not properly screened. Check your local fire codes to find out how to properly replace or screen your dryer vent.

Gable Vent screened to prevent animal access into attic space.

Expandable Foam, Silicone, Caulk, and Other Sealants

When used properly, expandable foam is a great product for excluding rodents from a structure. However, keep in mind that the rodents can indeed chew through the foam. This is where using some type of metal filler like steel wool or hardware cloth comes in to play. Other sealant materials can also be used for your DIY Rodent Exclusion, depending on the host material.

Hiring a Professional Rodent Exclusion Service

At Perimeter Wildlife Control we specialize in the removal of all nuisance wildlife. We do NOT deal with bugs or termites like your traditional Atlanta local pest control or exterminator. We pride ourselves in using only premium grade materials that will not deteriorate or break down. Our customers have low animal re-entry issues, and ALL or our rodent or wildlife exclusion repairs are guaranteed.

Contact or call us today 24/7 at 770-369-7713 to schedule an appointment to make your home critter-free!