Mouse problem in this Middletown, NJ home

Challenge

Recently, a Middletown, NJ homeowner contacted Cowleys after finding mouse droppings in several areas of the basement. I was sent out immediately to resolve the infestation. Mice commonly enter structures through gaps and cracks around the foundation where they make their way into the home’s basement or crawl space. Once inside, they have free rein throughout the home, staying our of sight by traveling through wall voids and doing their foraging at night. Mice are overwintering pests that enter homes to escape the harsh outdoor elements, so we always see a spike of rodent infestations in the fall when temperatures drop.

Solution

Upon arrival, I started my inspection in the basement where droppings were found. It is essential to locate and seal their entry points into the home. You have to be systematic and thorough in your inspection. Because of their diminutive size, mice only need a gap of about a 1/4 inch to enter a home. My personal rule of them is that if I can see daylight coming through a pipe chase or door sweep, there is more than enough space for a mouse to enter.  

My inspection for rodent entry points also includes the home’s exterior perimeter around the foundation. It can be difficult to find all of the potential entryways from the inside. They can easily be covered by insulation or by fixed ceilings in finished basements. Often, utility lines are the primary culprit. Over time, the original sealing around the pipes or wires have degraded due to weather and normal wear and tear. These small openings, which are easy to overlook, give rodents direct access into the home. Copper mesh makes for an excellent sealant because rodents can’t chew through it.  

After sealing the gaps, I set up some exterior rodent control boxes around the home’s perimeter. I’ll be returning for a follow-up visit to re-inspect and treat as necessary. I’m confident that this homeowner’s rodent problem will be completely resolved in short order.