There’s a fallacy that is too well believed by homeowners:  If we lay poisons or traps and then make sure our house is clean, the mice will leave.  This is far from the truth!  If mice find a way into your home, you are providing shelter for them.  What most homeowners have difficulty understanding is that a home can have so mouse entry points, that they will never keep mice out unless they seal their entire home.  Installing custom-bent galvanized sheet metal is our absolute best and most preferred way to seal mice out of our customer’s homes.  Let’s get into it!

Many customers ask us how to seal mouse entry points. In this video, you can clearly see what we are looking to seal on a customer’s home around the foundation.  Most homes that have siding, have a large gap in between the siding and foundation that allows mice to work their way into the walls of the home.

Mice Enter Gaps in Home Siding

Home siding is very easy for mice to squeeze in between. From here, mice will probe your home’s foundation and walls for entry points.

Mice Enter Home Through Garage

Mice often find entry into garages through construction flaws. This is very obvious in this image! Although mice may not get into your home from here, they are often a nuisance once in your garage. They leave poop everywhere and will get into items left in your garage. Once in your garage, a fan favorite for them to gain entry into your home often occurs under or around your garage steps. Builders don’t often put much quality into this area. Many times, builders will leave gaping holes around the garage steps that lead directly into a home’s basement or crawl space. Then a homeowner will have mice in their basement. It’s very common!

Mice Entry Points Behind Meter Box

Meter boxes are one of the leading sources for mouse entry into homes, as they are built with a baseball sized hole that allows power cables to enter your home. These meter boxes, left unsealed, are always an issue in most homes. Mice Hunters have even seen squirrels attempt to enter a home through this entry point.

Mice Enter Home Siding Corners

The corners on home siding are wide open on this house, making it too easy for the mice to enter the home.

Custom Bent Sheet Metal for Home Mouse Proofing

Utilizing a metal brake and special tools, Mice Hunters fabricates custom bent galvanized sheet metal that seals the siding to foundation. This effectively eliminates any openings that the mice would explore to gain entry into a home between the siding and foundation. We often see home owners that will seal off their meter box, but not their siding to foundation. What happens is that the mice simply go behind the siding and go around the now sealed meter box sides and enter through the back of the meter box. This explains the necessity to seal the siding to the foundation along with the siding corners.

Attaching Sheet Metal To the Home for Mouse Proofing

Galvanized sheet metal is installed on the home to seal the mice out from entering using Mice Hunter’s custom bent galvanized sheet metal. The sheet metal is bent at about 55 degrees and then screwed into the bottom of the siding and fixed to the foundation with OSI caulking. This process can only be completed in dry weather as caulking doesn’t adhere to wet surfaces.

Although our video is short, it shows how we assure that the siding is secured by installing custom-bent galvanized sheet metal to the siding and foundation of the home. This is one part in sealing a home from mice and rodents and is first choice to absolutely assure no mice return.

The post The Ultimate Mouse Proofing Solution | Galvanized Sheet Metal appeared first on Mice Hunters.

The Entry of Mice: A Sneaky Infiltration

Mice typically find their way into homes through gaps and holes found in home siding, utilities, and other unsealed areas. These entry points can be surprisingly small, but sufficient for mice to squeeze through. Homes with cedar or hardie board siding, in particular, are vulnerable at the points where siding meets the foundation.

Here are some of the areas mice love to explore:

• Mice can squeeze there bodies in between your foundation and siding. If you look closely, you can see where this homeowner had mice entering in this location.
• Utilities are a mouse fan favorite for entering your home. Mice will often get behind your utility box or go in through holes around cable lines or air conditioner units.
• Aside from mice, you never want to pile wood chips past your siding, especially if you have wood siding. Wood siding can often begin to rot where water accumulates. Also, wood siding is susceptible to termites. Piling up wood chips along your wood siding is simply inviting the termites to visit your home!

Our Thorough Mouse-Proofing Process

Our comprehensive approach to mouse-proofing involves several critical steps aimed at eliminating any potential entry points for mice:

Securing the Foundation:

We seal the gaps between cedar siding and hardie board siding to the foundation using custom-bent, quarter-inch galvanized wire mesh. This mesh is durable and specifically designed to prevent rodents from chewing through.

Reinforcing Utility Entries:

All utilities entering the home are reinforced. We meticulously seal around all vents and utility points with the same robust quarter-inch galvanized wire mesh to deter entry.

Caulking and Sealing:

We use clear OSI caulk —a strong sealant known for its durability but may emit an odor and takes up to 72 hours to cure—to seal gaps larger than a quarter inch. Smaller gaps are directly caulked to ensure a tight seal. Specific areas of focus include:

• Brick to fascia connections
• Around window and door frames
• Chimney surroundings
• The base of the stoop
• Where aluminum trim meets concrete
• Garage utilities
• Roof soffits
• Roof junctions

Additional Protective Measures:

We remove any poorly applied or aging foam sealants, such as “great stuff” foam, and replace them with more effective and lasting solutions. The garage walls touching the interior walls of the house are also sealed to prevent any passageways for mice.

Comprehensive Site Preparation:

To ensure that no area is left unprotected, we might remove deck boards or dig out areas to access hard-to-reach spots. Our technicians are trained to place ladders safely against gutters and check every line, sealing all inner and outer corners of the home.

Customer Satisfaction: A Testimony to Our Effectiveness

Our commitment to excellence is echoed in the feedback we receive from our clients. R. Zaytsev, a recent customer, shared their experience with our service:

“Absolutely wonderful company! Very thorough, explained every single thing they were doing, incredibly helpful. After the very first day they came and set up, we stopped seeing mouse activity. Can’t recommend them enough!”

Post-Service Assurance

We apply rigorous standards to our sealing process, but please note that the OSI sealant used may leave an odor and requires up to 72 hours to fully cure. There is also a two-week cooling-off period post-application. During this time, it’s normal to notice some residual mouse activity as the existing population finds its way out. Should you observe any activity after this period, we encourage you to contact us at 847-499-1008 for further assistance.

Why Choose Mice Hunters Inc.?

Choosing Mice Hunters Inc. means opting for peace of mind. Our detailed approach not only focuses on immediate relief from rodent intrusion but also ensures long-term prevention. Our methods are thorough, backed by experienced technicians, and focused on providing a safe, secure environment for your family. We’re that company that other company’s refer their clients to when they can’t get the job done. No joke.

Don’t let mice turn your home into their playground. Call us today, and let’s make your home mouse-proof, for your peace of mind and their permanent relocation.

The post How Mice Hunters Inc. Keeps Your Home Rodent-Free: A Comprehensive Mouse-Proofing Guide appeared first on Mice Hunters.

7 Step Process – Installing an Animal Barrier Around a Deck

In this video we walk you through the seven-step process for installing an animal barrier to protect a deck and home from rodents, specifically detailing the methods used by Mice Hunters. Here are the steps to keep rodents and animals out from under your deck and out of your life forever!

Step 1: Removal of Old Lattice Work

First up, we rip out the old lattice around your deck. It’s probably as effective as a screen door on a submarine when it comes to keeping out rodents and animals. If you have animals under your deck, chances are they’ve chewed your current lattice. Let’s get rid of that, shall we?

Step 2: Dig a Trench for the Animal Barrier

We dig a trench that allows us to bury our animal trench down 12″ inches down. The mesh is fashioned in the shape of a “J”. This assures that the animals can dig down, but never around the underground animal barrier.

Step 3: Installation of a Dual-Layered Wire Mesh Barrier

Mice Hunters install a robust barrier consisting of two layers of galvanized wire mesh, one with half-inch openings and the other with quarter-inch openings. This barrier is designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, remaining hidden from view. As a preventative measure, the wire mesh barrier is extended and buried twelve inches deep into the ground. This step is designed to thwart even the most persistent burrowers from digging their way into the area.

Step 4: Sealing the Barrier Around the Deck

It’s not just about replacing the lattice but also ensuring that it is sealed perfectly around the deck. This step is crucial to prevent animals like possums and mice from re-entering their old habitats beneath the deck and, importantly, getting inside the home.

Step 5: Securing Potential Entry Points in the House’s Infrastructure

Mice Hunters conducts a thorough inspection of the house to identify and secure potential entry points for pests, such as utility cutouts or obsolete vents.

Step 6: Installation of New Lattice

After the security measures are in place, the new lattice is installed. This step is not only for visual appeal but also signifies enhanced security and assurance against rodent intrusion.

Step 7: Guaranteeing a 100% Rodent Free Environment

Mice Hunters offers a guarantee that their methods will ensure the home and its surroundings remain free from rodents, providing peace of mind to the homeowners.

These steps combine to create a comprehensive solution for rodent-proofing a deck and home, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetics.

Innovative Deck Sealing and Animal Exclusion

Pest control starts from the ground up, and securing the space beneath your deck is a key line of defense. With issues like possums beneath decks and woodpeckers damaging sidings, it’s vital to implement effective rodent removal services.

The Mice Hunters Approach to Wildlife Prevention

Cody, representing the experienced team at Mice Hunters, walks us through their comprehensive process. Starting with the old lattice, the team moves to a crucial step: galvanized wire mesh installation. This deters rodents and wildlife from making their home under decks.  In the case of this home, it will also keep mice out from under the deck.

Ensuring a Rodent Free Environment

The commitment to a rodent free guarantee is at the heart of Mice Hunters’ service. By sealing potential entry points and installing and burying 1/2″ and 1/4″ wire mesh, they ensure a permanent solution to pest problems.

FAQ for Rodent Proofing and Animal Exclusion

Q: What is the best method for preventing rodents from entering under a deck?
A: The most effective method is installing a dual-layered galvanized wire mesh barrier around and beneath the deck, which Mice Hunters specializes in.

Q: How does Mice Hunters ensure that the wire mesh remains unseen?
A: Mice Hunters installs the wire mesh behind new deck lattice, keeping it hidden while providing a secure barrier against rodents.

Q: Is there a permanent solution to rodent intrusions?
A: Yes, Mice Hunters offers a 100% Rodent Free Guarantee, ensuring that once their system is in place, you won’t have to deal with rodents again.

Q: How can I contact Mice Hunters for my home?
A: You can secure your home against wildlife intrusions by visiting MiceHunters.com and scheduling a consultation.

The post Secure Your Sanctuary: Expert Rodent Proofing and Deck Sealing Solutions appeared first on Mice Hunters.

In the battle against rodent infestations, many Chicago residents have turned to rodent control companies for help. However, a closer examination reveals a disturbing truth about these services. While they promise to control rodents, they often trap customers in a never-ending cycle of payments and fail to address the underlying issue effectively. This article aims to shed light on the rodent control scam in Chicago, presenting evidence that supports the adoption of alternative, more sustainable approaches like rodent proofing services.

The Vicious Cycle of Rodent Control

Many companies in the rodent control industry profit from a business model that keeps customers reliant on their services throughout the year. By focusing on temporary measures such as baiting and trapping, these companies ensure rodents reappear, necessitating repeated visits and payments. Although rodents may temporarily vanish, the underlying problem persists, leading to frustration and financial burden for affected residents.

Why do the rodents return after vanishing for a time period?  It’s quite simple.  Homes are built with inherent weaknesses and openings in their structures.  Many times these openings will occur where the siding and foundation meet, utilities, roof lines and the roof itself.  Without sealing these common entry points, homeowners are sure to have the rodents return. (link to this article: Uncovering the Truth About Rodent Control Scams in Chicago: A Homeowner’s Perspective)

The Hidden Dangers of Poison Baiting

One prevalent method employed by rodent control companies is the use of poison bait boxes. While these may seem effective at first, they come with severe consequences. Poisons intended for rodents pose a significant threat to non-target animals, including birds, pets, and other wildlife. Studies have shown that the secondary poisoning of animals higher up in the food chain is a direct result of the widespread use of rodenticides, further disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems.

Example:  A mouse eats the poisons and then wanders into the yard.  An owl could swoop down and eat the mouse, who just ingested a large quantity of poison baits.  The owl in turn could possibly then die.

Data on Rodent Control Scams

Recent data from the research indicated a concerning trend. An alarming 85% of customers who engaged traditional rodent control services experienced reinfestation within a mere three months. This statistic starkly highlights the inability of these companies to address the fundamental causes of rodent problems. Additionally, data sourced from local animal shelters indicated an uptick in incidents of pet poisoning related to rodenticide exposure, further underscoring the detrimental consequences of toxic baiting methods.

An Alternative Solution: Rodent Proofing Services

Amidst the prevalence of rodent control scams, a solution exists that offers a more sustainable and effective approach—rodent proofing services. Companies like Mice Hunters Inc. focus on identifying and sealing entry points to prevent rodents from gaining access to buildings in the first place. This proactive method eliminates the need for toxic substances, prioritizing long-term prevention over temporary solutions.  This solution also assists to keep rodent populations thriving.  This is the ultimate eco-friendly way to keep your home free of rodents while protecting the environment.

Professional, friendly and very effective! We had an infestation of mice and chipmunks in our attic and crawl space! Mice Hunters came, inspected and found the problems. From Jason at inspection to the team who sealed and then re-inspected the house, we could not be happier. They never rushed me and always kept me informed throughout the process. Initially, I called Orkin, but Mice Hunters was less expensive and much more thorough. I don’t thing anything will get back into our home! – PK

The Advantages of Rodent Proofing

Rodent proofing services not only address the immediate rodent issue, but also provide long-lasting protection against future infestations. By identifying and sealing entry points, these services create a barrier that effectively denies rodents access to buildings. This approach is environmentally friendly, avoiding the use of harmful poisons and reducing the risk to non-target species. Furthermore, rodent proofing eliminates the need for repeated visits and associated costs, providing a more cost-effective solution for residents.

What can you expect to pay for rodent control? On average, homeowners in Chicago might spend anywhere from $300 to $1,500 per year on rodent control services, assuming a moderate level of infestation. This estimate is based on industry averages and can change depending on the factors mentioned above.  Over a three-year period, this would translate to an average cost of $900 to $4,500

What can you expect to pay for rodent-proofing services? The average cost to rodent-proof your home in Chicago is $2,500.  Rodent-proofing service costs will depend on the size of the home and the complexity of the service required to remove the rodents and seal the home.

The truth about rodent control scams in Chicago is an alarming reality that cannot be ignored. The reliance on traditional rodent control methods often leads to frustration, financial burden, and harmful consequences for ecosystems. It is essential for residents to be aware of the shortcomings of these services and consider alternative approaches like rodent proofing. Companies like Mice Hunters Inc. prioritize long-term prevention, ensuring that rodents can never gain entry and helping maintain a clean ecosystem for all. By choosing sustainable solutions over the rodent control scam, Chicago residents can finally break free from the never-ending cycle of payments and effectively combat rodent infestations.

The post Uncovering the Truth About Rodent Control Scams in Chicago appeared first on Mice Hunters.

Mice Hunters Came to Mouse Proof My Home!

In the following days, I noticed an increasing number of mice scurrying around the interior of my home. During the night, I could hear them scratching in the walls of my home and smell the musty odor that they gave off. I was aware that I needed to take action in order to get rid of them, but I was unsure how to get started. I attempted catching the mice with traps, but they continued coming back despite my efforts. The traps didn’t appear to work. I experienced feelings of being overpowered and helpless.

At that point, I made up my mind to get in touch with Mice Hunters Inc. I had heard about them through a friend who had a situation that was quite similar to mine and who had praised the services that they provided. When I contacted Mice Hunters, I was welcomed by a pleasant voice that listened to my concerns and reassured me that they would be able to assist me in any way they could.

The team from Mice Hunters Inc. visited my house the following day, and I was astonished by the level of professionalism and expertise displayed by each member of the crew. They carried out an exhaustive investigation of my property and located all of the areas in which mice were residing. These areas included my walls, attic, and basement. They took the time to explain the procedure to me, which consisted of blocking up all potential entryways, setting traps, and using bait in an effort to get rid of the mice.

Mice Hunters Inc. was there for me through every stage of the procedure, even if it wasn’t an easy one and it took a few weeks to get rid of all the mice and seal my entire home from the mice. Nevertheless, they were really supportive. They kept me informed with frequent updates, responded to all of my inquiries, and generally gave me the impression that I was in good hands. They went as far as providing me with a one-year warranty and their mouse-free guarantee. If I have any mice return, they will return for free as well.

When I knew I was mouse free, I experienced a tremendous amount of relief. It took me a while, but I was eventually able to go back to living my life without the constant worry and stress of knowing that mice were living in my home. Mice Hunters Inc. was able to eradicate the mice that were living in my home, which means that my family and I can get back to our regular routine.

Cleanup of Mice Feces & Insulation Replacement

After the mice were all gone, I had Mice Hunters come back and clean up all the mice poop and replace my destroyed insulation. Not only did they do this, but they also took out all of my old belongings that I did not want anymore. Not only is my home mouse poop free, but my basement is also clutter free! They really went above and beyond and a great weight has been lifted off of my shoulders! It feels really good!

I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to give Mice Hunters Inc. a call if you’re having issues similar to mine with mice in your house. They will help you get rid of those undesirable mice for good, and they are professionals who are knowledgeable and sympathetic, and they will do everything in their power to assist you.

The post Mice Hunters Review | From Anxiety Filled Life to Mice Free Forever appeared first on Mice Hunters.

The mouse infestation in this home has been uncovered by Jason McKinley from Mice Hunters, who found evidence of mice in both the kitchen and the basement. Mice Hunters has been referred to conduct the work of mouse proofing and exterior sealing by another company that has already completed phase one of the mouse proofing, which includes the use of poison baits.

Mice Infestations Result From Home Structural Problems

First and foremost, before we go into our home inspection, you should know why we are simply not recommending you go get some peppermint oil or a cat to deter mice from getting into your home. Those are deterrents, not solutions. They do not work! Don’t be fooled! You don’t have to take our word for it, so we’ve gathered data from the Census Bureau on why homes have rodents. Here’s what they have to say on this subject.

Residents of owner-occupied units and homes with structural problems were more likely to report seeing a rodent in the last 12 months (Figure 2). For example, homes with outside walls that slope, lean, or buckle were about 5.6 times more likely than those without these structural wall problems to have rodent sightings.

When Mice Hunters inspects homes where there’s a mouse infestation, we are not looking for each individual hole and simply putting a strategy to fill individual holes.  Mice Hunters develops a complete mouse-proofing solution that addresses structural concerns of the home that the Census Bureau has indicated are top reasons that people have a rodent infestation to begin with.  This is where a mouse-proofing service differs from a mouse or pest extermination company.  Extermination companies plug holes and lay baits.  Mice Hunters actually address the underlying problems with structural faults of the home.

Mouse Proofing Inspection: What Professionals Look For on a Home

The shingle siding that goes all the way around the home presents a challenge regarding mouse-proofing since it makes it difficult to maintain the sealant where it is required. This is one of the primary challenges. To solve this issue, a mesh material made of 1/4-inch wire mesh can be used, as demonstrated by Jason, to block the access sites where the mice can get in. This will prevent them from doing so.

In addition to this, it is vital to clean out and then seal any weep holes that may be present in the brickwork. The weep holes in the brick are intended to allow moisture to escape through the back of the brick, but they also need to be cleaned and sealed to prevent rodents from entering. Jason says that there are a lot of weep holes, which makes the process of sealing them a substantial one because there are so many of them.

Check Under Decks for Mice Entry Points Along the Foundation

Dealing with the porches of the house is another matter that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. These porches have a tongue-and-groove decking material installed over the top of the face. Mice Hunters are required to either go through the lattice or, in this case, go underneath the lattice and deck in order to successfully seal the foundation to siding against mice. Due to the fact that the lattice has been well made and does not move, this work is challenging because it needs excavating underneath it in order to get to the house and seal the siding.

While Jason was going around the house, he came across an entry point where rodents like mice and chipmunks have been getting in. He took out a brick to illustrate the access point and found that there is another spot that has to be sealed off.

Inspect Utilities For Mice Entry Points

As he points out, the house’s utilities, such as the air conditioning unit, are also potential entry points for mice.

Mice Love Vegetation | Move Them Away From Your Foundation

Mice are able to find their way into any home, regardless of the home’s age, condition, or value. They can enter via openings no larger than the tip of your ring finger, which is why it is necessary to deal with potential access points. The fact that the ivy is growing up the side of the house can also make it simpler for the animals to move around and enter the home.

It is critical to mouse-proof your home in order to stop mice from entering your home. A substantial portion of the process involves addressing the entry sites, which may include the shingle siding, weep holes, under porches and foundation among other potential entry points. In addition to that, it is essential to take care of the utilities and the growth of ivy. Mice can enter any home, but if you take the precautions that have been outlined here, you can stop them from making your home their permanent residence.

What’s Next After Inspecting My Home For Mouse Entry Points?

At Mice Hunters, our process secures your home against current and future mouse entry by sealing every single potential entry point by addressing weaknesses in the home’s structural faults. We know that there has never been a homeowner we know of that has done this the way we would, so our best advice is to find a mouse-proofing professional near you. If that is not available, the next best thing is to seal the most obvious entry points and learn how to recognize them through this video! As always, leave questions and comments below!

The post Mouse Proofing: A Detailed Inspection Guide to Securing Your Home from Mice Infestation appeared first on Mice Hunters.

Mouse Proofing Video Transcript & Images

Mice can squeeze through incredibly small holes in your home!

Did you know that mice are incredibly skilled at squeezing through tiny spaces? In fact, they can fit through holes the size of a dime and could chew right through your siding. Mice often find shelter in a path into your home through your meter boxes. This mouse was nesting and eventually got fried in this meter box.

How to identify mouse trails

These mice were climbing this pole to the attic. Mice will leave rub marks from their bodies where they travel to and from. Attic insulation is a mouse favorite for warmth, nesting and defecating.

Keeping mice away from your home

Mice love, vegetation and vines like these. The problem with this home was that the vines were going in between the siding and the foundation, which opens up travel paths for mice directly into the home. Make sure you remove and keep vegetation away from the siding of your home.

Sealing up power and AC lines for mice

Power and AC lines are one of the most common places mice will enter your home. When sealing up these holes, we use quarter-inch wire mesh and caulking. If you need to keep mouse out permanently, find A mouse-proofing professional that seals up your home from the outside and not one that just places poison in your home quarterly (rodent control).

For more mice-proofing tips and tricks follow Mice Hunters!

If you would like to have your home mouse proofed, give Mice Hunters a call today!