BC Homeowner Guide to Mouse & Rodent Control

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Rodent-Proofing (BC) — Quick Guide

1) Building Envelope & Openings

• Seal gaps ≤6 mm (¼″) with exterior sealant; larger holes: copper/steel mesh + sealant; ≥13 mm (½″): add backer rod.

• Screen vents with corrosion-resistant mesh: mice ~6 mm (¼″), rats ~13 mm (½″); screw it on (no staples).

• Keep weep/drain holes open—use insect/rodent bug screens, never caulk shut.

• Door bottoms/garage: install thresholds & sweeps; aim ≤6 mm gap. Store bird/pet feed in sealed bins.

• Fix moisture (leaky bibbs, standing water); wet areas attract rodents.

• BC note: finer screens reduce airflow—confirm required free-area and clean often in coastal zones.

2) Roofs, Soffits & Attic

• Trim branches 2–3 m from roof (use pros near power lines).

• Back-screen soffit/roof vents; keep OEM louvers. Replace broken/damperless caps.

• Check attic each season for trails, droppings, gnawing; after big snow, recheck soffits.

3) Foundations, Basements & Crawlspaces

• Frame 6 mm mesh over crawl vents; keep code vent area. Seal pipe/duct penetrations with escutcheons.

• Tight hatch with weatherstrip/sweep.

• 6-mil poly over soil—sealed laps, patch tears. Extend downspouts 2–3 m; improve grading/drains.

• Use trail cameras or tracking cards along foundation lines.

4) Kitchens, Laundry & Plumbing

• Pack copper mesh + sealant in cabinet/pipe chases; add escutcheons.

• Store food/pet feed in rodent-resistant containers; wipe crumbs; empty organics nightly.

• Place snap traps along walls behind stove/fridge; pre-bait 2–3 nights, then set.

5) Electrical & Mechanical (Safety)

• Inspect attic/crawl wiring for gnawing; if copper/aluminum exposed, call a licensed electrician.

• Screen fresh-air intakes per manufacturer; keep filters/grilles clean.

• Seal gaps around water-heater/boiler vents & piping.

6) Yards, Sheds & Strata Waste

• Keep shrubs 30–45 cm off walls; clear ivy/blackberry thickets.

• Store firewood/clutter off ground and away from siding.

• Use tight-lidded compost/organics; keep strata waste rooms closed and clean.

7) Traps & Control (IPM first)

• Best at home: snap or enclosed mechanical traps every 2–3 m where rub marks/droppings appear; electronic traps in dry spots.

• Avoid glue boards (last resort).

• Rodenticides: restricted in BC—use only via licensed pros with locked stations and a site plan; never broadcast indoors.

8) Safe Cleanup (Droppings/Nests)

• Ventilate ~30 min; wear gloves, eye protection, and a well-fitting mask (N95 in dusty spaces).

• Wet method: spray disinfectant (e.g., 1:10 bleach), wait ~5 min, wipe, double-bag, trash.

• Disinfect hard surfaces; hot-wash fabrics. Call pros for heavy attic/crawl infestations.

9) Simple BC Schedule

• Monthly: exterior walk-around; check doors/vents/trash; kitchen deep-wipe & contain dry goods.

• Pre-storm (coast): secure caps, soffit screens; trim branches.

• After heavy snow (Interior/Mountains): inspect soffits/attic.

• Spring/Fall: renew caulking/sweeps, adjust landscaping; pre-bait garage/mech rooms before heating season.

10) Call a Pro If…

• Sightings or captures continue >2 weeks.

• Gnawed wiring, arcing, or tripped breakers.

• Heavy attic/crawl droppings/odour.

• Multi-unit/shared walls/parkades.

• Rodenticide needed or health concerns present.

Quick Materials

• 6 mm (¼″) & 13 mm (½″) galvanized hardware cloth; tin snips; screws + washers.

• Copper/steel wool; exterior sealant; backer rod.

• Snap/electronic traps; tamper-resistant stations (pros only).

• PPE: gloves, eye protection, N95; disinfectant (fresh 1:10 bleach).

Rule of thumb: Seal tight, screen smart, keep food/water away—but never block required ventilation or drainage.