How rodents enter homes: 8 common entry points

House mice, wood mice, Norway rats – whatever it is you’re dealing with, they all find a way to enter your home through entry points you may not even have thought of.

So, how do we keep them out? Rats and mice are known for finding any nook or cranny they can to find shelter and food. Unfortunately for us, our homes are the number one place they search.

That means to keep them out, we need to start by sealing these cracks. Stick with us to find out the 10 most common entry points, how to cover them up, and when to call pest control.

Why rats and mice try to get inside

Most of the time, they’re doing what any animal does in bad weather: they follow the safest route to warmth, shelter, and a steady supply of food and water.

It’s not that they’re targeting your home directly; they’re just looking for the safest place to survive, especially during the winter and summer when the weather is harsh.

Many will burrow into brickwork or find a small crack in the wall to hide from predators and search for food. You might find them rummaging through your bins outside, getting into pet food in the cupboards, eating birdseed, or even food stored in garages and sheds.

Many also look for places to nest, which is why lofts, basements, and storage rooms are often infested. Cardboard, insulation, stored clothes, paper, and soft packaging offer the perfect place to settle.

If you’re unsure whether it’s rats you’re dealing with, read our blog on the most common signs of rats in your house or garden.

Most common home entry points for rodents

1. Gaps around pipes, cables, and utility lines

Rats need constant access to water, which is why they often linger around leaky pipes and other moisture-prone areas.

Since they’re drawn to moisture, rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are the areas most likely to face a rat or mouse infestation. They can get in from the outside through soil pipes, boiler flues, or outside taps, or from inside through under-sink plumbing or behind the washing machine.

How to seal:

Use wire mesh to create a barrier, then seal around it so there are no open gaps for rats and mice to get through.

2. Air bricks and vents

Old-style vents have naturally large gaps, which makes it easy for rodents to get through. That’s why older properties may deal with pest issues more!

However, even in newer properties, many of the air vents are made of plastic, which is easy for rats and mice to chew through. They also sit low to the ground and connect directly to under-floor voids and wall cavities, providing easy access into your home.

The same goes for air bricks, which naturally feature holes in the designs, perfect for smaller mice to slip through.

How to seal:

You need fresh air to enter your home, so you can’t block the air vents completely. Instead, fit a rodent-resistant vent cover/guard over it to keep rodents out and fresh air in.

3. Gaps under external doors

Gaps under back doors, side doors, patio doors, and even porch doors are an easy access route, especially for mice.

This is an easy entry point to miss, but it’s one of the most common ways for rodents to get in. Rats and mice can easily slip under, so if you feel any draught or see any light seeping in underneath your door, it’s best to seal it.

How to seal:

Install a door sweep/brush strip to close the gap. If the threshold is uneven, you can also benefit from fitting a threshold plate or adjusting the fit so the door closes flush to the floor.

4. Garage doors

Similar to doors in your home, garage doors are another main entry point for mice and rats.

Since they’re often overcrowded with old boxes, tools, and gardening supplies, it provides the perfect environment for them to hide out. From there, they can get into your home through any doors attached to your garage.

How to seal:

Install a garage threshold seal or rubber strip to seal the gap at the bottom of garage doors. It’s also best to seal any gaps around the frame and store any food in containers so rodents can’t get in. Make sure the internal garage-to-house door is also tightly sealed.

5. Roofline entry: slipped tiles, eaves, soffits and fascia gaps

Loose tiles and gaps around eaves, soffits, and fascia all provide an easy way for rodents to get into your loft.

Once they’re in your loft, they’ll chew wooden beams and wires and hide in any insulation for warmth. You may find bite marks and droppings, which can be even more of a nuisance if you use it to store items or as a spare room.

How to seal:

It’s best to call in a professional to seal your roof. They will repair any tiles and boards so they’re securely fitted and add guards where needed to keep rodents out.

6. Pet doors

Another common culprit that you may not think about is pet doors.

If you have a pet door installed at the front or back of your house that is close to the ground and easy to open, a large rat can find its way in. This is especially likely if it doesn’t sit flush to the door, there are gaps around the frame, or the door panel is damaged.

How to seal:

The best thing to do is replace any old pet doors with new ones that are properly sealed and can be locked from the inside. Keep pet food stored away at night to prevent it from attracting rodents.

7. Overgrown ivy and fences up to gutters

Any climbing plants up your walls or large trees near your house provide the perfect natural ladder for rats and mice to climb up.

Any overgrown shrubbery can also hide gaps in the walls or roof, so access points are harder to spot. Any bins or sheds attached or right next to your property can also cause this issue.

How to seal:

Cut any vegetation back so it doesn’t conceal your property, and move any climbable items, like bins or sheds, further away from walls or fences. If you notice any gaps after doing so, seal them straight away.

8. Drains

Damaged drain lines, broken covers, or easy access points around gully traps and inspection chambers also offer easy access for rats and mice.

Since they linger around drains anyway to find a water source, they can slip through small gaps and sneak straight into your home. Rats are natural burrowers, so they are more likely to get in through a drain than mice.

If your drain system has recently been updated, it’s common for a contractor to leave gaps around the drain. Always check afterwards.

How to seal:

Have any broken or missing covers resealed to ensure a flush fit; don’t try to block it yourself with makeshift materials, as this will lead to more issues.

When to call Premier Pest Control

If you’ve tried sealing all these entry points or simply don’t have the time to do it yourself, our expert pest control specialists can handle it for you.

At Premier Pest Control, we provide rat pest control and mouse pest control. Our exterminators will conduct a survey of your property to identify the issue, then determine the best method to rid your home of rodents for good.