Did you know mice and rats can squeeze into your home through holes so small you might not even notice them? These sneaky pests are great at finding tiny gaps, which is why it’s so important to understand just how little space they need to get inside. If you’re dealing with rodents, a trusted pest control service in Redmond can help you identify and seal up these hidden entry points before they become a bigger issue.
Tiny Holes, Big Problems
Mice can fit through holes as small as a quarter inch, which is about the size of a pencil or a dime. Their bodies are super flexible, and because they don’t have solid collarbones, they can flatten themselves to slide right through. Even a small crack in the wall or space under a door can be a perfect doorway for a mouse.
Rats are bigger than mice, but they’re still surprisingly good at squeezing through small spaces. They can get in through holes about half an inch wide, which is about the size of a quarter. Whether it’s a gap near your pipes, a broken vent, or even a space in your foundation, rats will find it if they’re looking for a warm place to stay.
How Do They Do It?
Mice and rats are built for this. Their bodies are designed to bend and twist in tight spaces. They also have sharp teeth that never stop growing, so they chew through wood, plastic, and even soft metals to make holes bigger if needed. If they find food or shelter on the other side, nothing will stop them.
Where to Check for Holes
Rodents don’t need much to get inside. Here are the most common spots they use:
- Under doors or around windows
- Holes in walls or floors
- Gaps around pipes and wires
- Uncovered vents or chimneys
- Cracks in the roof or foundation
Even high places aren’t safe. Mice can climb rough surfaces, and some rats are great climbers, too. If a hole leads to the attic or roof, they might just use a tree branch or a nearby structure to reach it.
How to Keep Them Out
The best way to stop a rodent problem is to block them before they come inside. Try these simple tips:
- Seal small holes with steel wool or metal mesh (they can’t chew through it!)
- Use door sweeps on outside doors and make sure window seals are tight
- Cover vents and chimneys with secure screens
- Store food in containers with lids, including pet food
- Keep your home clean so there’s nothing to attract them
- Trim bushes and tree branches so they can’t use them to get to your roof
Final Thoughts
Mice and rats don’t need much space to become a big problem. A tiny hole can lead to a full-blown infestation if you’re not careful. Now that you know how small of a gap they need, take a walk around your home and look closely; you might find a few places where they could sneak in.
Stopping them before they come inside is the easiest way to keep your home rodent-free!
