Rodent-Proofing 101: Simple Steps to Keep Unwanted Guests Out This Season

Rodent-Proofing 101: Why It Matters for Your Home (and Insurance)
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Rodents can damage wiring, insulation, and more—and that damage usually isn't covered by insurance. Learn how to protect your home with simple prevention steps.

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When temperatures drop or the weather shifts, rodents start looking for a warm, cozy place to call home—and unfortunately, your attic, garage, or crawl space may be at the top of their list. From chewed wires to shredded insulation, the damage they cause isn’t just inconvenient—it can be costly, too.

Why Rodent-Proofing Your Home MattersRodents like mice, rats, and squirrels are more than just a nuisance. They can:

• Chew Through Wiring: One of the biggest dangers rodents pose is gnawing on electrical wiring, which can lead to fires.
• Damage Insulation and Ductwork: Rodents burrow into insulation and tear it apart for nesting. This lowers your home’s energy efficiency and may even affect your HVAC system.
• Spread Illness: Rodents carry bacteria and diseases through their droppings, urine, and saliva—posing a serious risk to your household’s health.
• Void Insurance Coverage: Most homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude rodent and pest damage. Insurers classify it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden or accidental event.

Easy Rodent-Proofing Tips
Here’s how you can keep rodents out of your home this season:

1. Seal Entry Points
   Use steel wool and caulk to fill small holes and gaps around pipes, vents, foundation cracks, and exterior walls. Remember—mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime.
2. Trim Back Landscaping
   Keep tree branches and bushes trimmed away from your home’s roofline and exterior walls. Overgrown landscaping provides easy access for rodents.
3. Store Food Securely
   Keep pantry items sealed and pet food in airtight containers. Avoid leaving dog food or birdseed outside overnight.
4. Declutter Storage Spaces
   Rodents love cluttered attics, garages, and sheds. Use sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes and check regularly for signs of nesting.
5. Install Door Sweeps
   Add weather stripping or door sweeps to garage doors and exterior doors to block gaps along the ground.

Insurance Consideration
Because rodent damage is typically preventable, most home insurance policies won’t cover the resulting destruction. This includes chewed wiring, structural damage, and even water damage from chewed-through pipes. That’s why proactive maintenance—like sealing entry points and booking regular pest inspections—is your best defense.

Disclaimer:This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional pest control or insurance advice. Coverage varies by state and policy. For specific information, please contact a licensed insurance agent and pest control professional.