Rodent Exclusion Techniques
Rodents have been a common problem in living and working
environments, probably, ever since humans began living in
permanent dwellings. Even today many people believe rodent
infestations are "inevitable". However, the recent appearance of
Hantavirus (Sin Nombre Virus, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, HPS)
in the Western states has re-awakened the public to the serious
health problems posed by rodents and has prompted new inquiries
into more effective ways to manage infestations. This manual is
designed as a training reference for making rodent control in
buildings an attainable goal.
Hardware cloth is the best and one of the easiest materials
to use for screening foundation vents, open pipes and other
holes. It effectively excludes mice and most native rats. Light
gauge hardware cloth, however, is not entirely resistant to more
aggressive animals such as Old World rats. Use 16-19 gauge,
welded-at-each-joint, 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch mesh,
galvanized-after-welding wire screen to exclude larger animals
or aggressive rats. This is extremely strong material and will
last 10 to 20-years due to its heavy zinc coating. Use 19 or
heavier gauge, galvanized, 1/4-inch (or smaller) mesh hardware
cloth to keep smaller animals (mice) out. Covering hardware
cloth with metal window screening also keeps insects out. Cover
floor drains with heavy 16-19 gauge, 1/4-inch mesh, stainless
steel hardware cloth and be careful to not leave any openings
around the sides larger than 1/4-inch. Covering drains will
increase clogging - be sure to inform maintenance when you
install these screens.
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