Introduction
Rodents, like mice and rats, are notorious for finding creative ways to invade homes, causing distress and potential health risks. One lesser-known yet common entry point for these pests is through open or poorly sealed pipes. Understanding how rodents exploit these vulnerabilities can be crucial for homeowners, especially in areas where rodent populations are high. This guide aims to shed light on this issue, providing insights and actionable tips to safeguard your home.
Understanding the Threat: How Rodents Enter Through Pipes
Anatomy of an Invasion
Rodents are agile creatures with an uncanny ability to squeeze through tiny openings. Open pipes, whether drainage, sewage, or other types of plumbing fixtures, can serve as gateways for these pests. This is particularly true for older homes where pipes may be damaged or in disrepair.
Why Pipes?
Sewers are a haven for rodents and other wildlife, a place free of birds of prey, coyotes and other predators. Rodents can smell the contents of your home’s drainage and what’s more, if open pipes exist that are still connected to your home’s current (or old) drain, rodents may detect the airflow and smell the inviting scents of your home as well.
Pipes offer rodents a hidden, protected path directly into the cozy and resource-rich environment of your home. Once inside, they can cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, HVAC, and even structural elements. Moreover, rodents are potential carriers of diseases, making their presence a health concern.
How Common is This?
In Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, it is all too common. Older homes means older plumbing and more re-piping by careless plumbers who leave open pipes. Once a rodent gains entry this way, it will be more inclined to look for such points of entry going forward. This could mean chewing through newer, softer plumbing.
Identifying Vulnerable Pipes
Inspection Tips
Semi-regular inspection of your home’s plumbing system is vital. Look for gaps or cracks around pipe entrances, both inside and outside your home. Conduits are also of concern; such as where utility lines enter the house—such areas are often overlooked. Know that leaving any one opening for rodents to used will be found by them and used. Missing one is like missing them all.
Signs of Rodent Activity
Be on the lookout for droppings, gnaw marks, or unusual sounds like scratching or scurrying. These are telltale signs that rodents may have already exploited your plumbing to gain entry.
Prevention Strategies
Sealing and Repair
The approach to sealing a pipe is contingent on whether the pipe is currently used and the pipe material. If it is used, you’ll often want to replace the chewed or otherwise open area. If the pipe is PVC, you’ll also want to reinforce the affected area with something harder than PVC as rodents will attempt to gain entry in the same area by chewing. Use rodent-proof materials like galvanized steel screen, stainless steel wool, metal sheeting, or specially designed seals to close off openings around pipes. Regular maintenance and prompt repair of damaged pipes can also significantly reduce the risk of rodent intrusion.
Remodels, Renovations, Re-Piping
If your contractor leaves an open pipe, it can end up costing you hundreds or thousands. Make efforts to ensure that they don’t leave any old or new pipe systems open. Or get a professional Pest Control analysis while the pipes are more accessible.
Sanitation and Habitat Modification
Eliminate potential rodent attractants like food waste and clutter near pipes. Ensure your yard is tidy, with trimmed vegetation, to reduce habitat opportunities for rodents.
Professional Solutions
When to Call the Experts
If you suspect a serious rodent problem, or if the DIY approach doesn’t seem to be working, it’s time to call in professional pest control services. They can offer customized solutions and ongoing support to keep your home rodent-free.
Pasadena Pest Control offers a Comprehensive Rodent Inspection to identify such openings in, under and around your home. 9/10 times we identify the problem and remedy it. In the worst of cases, a smoke test is needed to identify open pipes concealed in a wall or some other inaccessible area. The sooner you identify how they are getting in, the sooner you’ll be rid of them.
“Professional” Solutions (to avoid)
Many companies offer free inspections. Many offer work at what at first blush appears as significantly less than others. Often it is those same discount companies that offer rushed inspections and foam-can exclusions. Get it done right. Be prepared to invest (wisely) in a long-term solution by proven professionals. Keep it small business for this kind of problem. Do your research here. At Pasadena Pest Control, we specialize in rodent control and take pride in providing detailed inspections and exclusions.
Conclusion: Safeguarding Your Home
Rodent intrusion through pipes is a real and often underestimated problem. By understanding the risk, semi-regularly inspecting your plumbing, implementing prevention strategies, and seeking professional help when needed, you can protect your home from these unwelcome invaders. You may want to consider a form of professional population suppression such as lethal rodent baiting or non-lethal rodent contraceptives. Such services reliably reduce rodent pressure on homes and vehicles.
Contact me at 626.737.7173 to discuss any of the above covered points further.
Author: Sam Thurman,
President, Pasadena Pest Control