Equip floor drains with metal grates fastened securely in place. hang upside down and travel some distance on ¼-inch wire mesh or 12-gauge wire.īoth rats and mice use drainage pipes or sewage systems as routes to enter buildings.enter openings slightly larger than ¼-inch in diameter.jump up 18 inches vertically, and jump up against a vertical surface to reach even higher.Shield manure discharge pipes to prevent access by rodents to open pipe. swim half a mile in open water, dive through water traps in plumbing, and travel in sewer lines against substantial current.įigure 1.reach up to 13 inches along vertical walls and.enter openings slightly larger than ½ inch in diameter.burrow straight down into the ground to a depth of 48 inches.jump 36 inches vertically and 48 inches horizontally.

climb the outside of vertical pipes and conduit up to 3 inches in diameter, climb the outside of larger pipes attached to buildings by bracing themselves against a wall, and climb the inside of 1½- to 4-inch vertical pipes.

gnaw through a variety of materials, including aluminum sheeting, wood, rubber, vinyl, plastic, and concrete block.

crawl horizontally along pipes, augers, conveyors, and conduit and.

climb almost any rough vertical surface such as wood, brick, concrete, and weathered sheet metal.

run along and climb electrical wires, ropes, cables, vines, shrubs, and trees to gain entry to buildings.

To help identify how rodents can enter a structure, their capabilities must be understood. More methods to make structures rodent-proof are described in NebGuide G1530, Rodent-Proof Construction: Structural. This NebGuide focuses on the exclusion of Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) and house mice ( Mus musculus), but the information is applicable for a variety of rodents and birds. In addition to preventing access to buildings along these routes, attention must be given to reducing sources of food, water, and shelter used by rats and mice. Hygnstrom, Extension Specialist, Wildlife DamageĬomprehensive rodent-proofing must include protective devices on pipes, electrical cables and conduits, drains, and other equipment where rodents travel. Vantassel, Extension Wildlife Damage Project Coordinator

Use of common-sense construction techniques involving drains and feeding equipment can effectively prevent or reduce damage by rats and mice.

Ways to secure pipes horizontal