Ideally, the best way to control mice and rats is to make it impossible for them to find a way
into structures, but with mice it can be difficult to exclude them completely, since even an
adult mouse can squeeze into openings no larger than 3/8 inch.  Mice also enter buildings by
way of open windows and doors or can be carried in in merchandise, but nevertheless, it is
good pest management to make your home or business as pest resistant as possible.

Every possible route into your home should be considered when going about a pest proofing
program.  Questions to ask are:  Are there holes around the eaves and under roof overhangs
that would allow rodent entry?  Is that space under the back door large enough to allow mice
to squeeze under?  Are bushes and trees with low hanging branches touching or in close prox-
imity to my home or business?  Do I leave the doors propped open for any length of time,
especially at night?  Are there open drains leading into my home or business?  Are the windows
in my basement broken?  All these questions need to be answered and if any can be answered
with a yes, then steps should be taken to correct the problem(s).

Sometimes it is not always possible to take care of every problem that comes up because of
health, money or inclination; but there are many cases where rodent proofing can be accom-
plished with a minimum of effort.  One of the main reasons for my web site is to educate and
enlighten people to the intricacies of insects, rodents, and other pests, and how to better pro-
tect themselves and their families from the infestations of these pests.  Rodent proofing is
one of the cheaper and less painful ways to avoid and/or exclude pests.