How to deal with loft ventilaton gap allowing access for rats/mice

[Pete_M]

Firstly, I am probably the most non-DIY person that walks the face of the earth. Now...

Last year, my autumn and winter was characterised by hearing activity in my loft, mainly at night, that seemed to be mice or rats. I recently went into my loft and noticed that there are a few bricks missing (say 4) from one of the walls - it's clear that the gap is how they're managing to get in.

Before it becomes an issue again, I'd like to have this dealt with. I'm well aware that it's necessary to have some ventilation in the loft, but I'd like to have this gap dealt with to try and keep these unwanted visitors out (though I'm aware of their abilities to plough through anything). I doubt that a builder will be interested in such a small job, so bearing in mind my total inexperience with tending to any DIY issues, what would be the best means of me dealing with this? Something like attaching Mouse Mesh to the surrounding bricks?

 

[blup]

If they're getting in that way they are likely present in other parts of the house, so consider getting a pest control firm in for advice. The Council are a good starting point and although most externalise this service, it can still be a lot cheaper.

Where is the wall in question, is it a shared wall, does it support the roof or do you mean an external wall. Is it a solid or cavity wall?

Blup

 

[Pete_M]

It's an external brick wall.

 

[blup]

Then replace the bricks, but as mentioned you may have an infestation as rats will use the warmth of a loft to breed.

Blup

 

[opps]

The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 places an obligation on owners or occupiers to control rats and mice on their property and to inform the local council of infestations.

Are you sure that they are either rats or mice though? They could be squirrels.

In the absence of visible mouse/rat droppings, you could leave an apple in the loft and then check to see what kind of bite marks are left.

 

[KenGMac]

I regularly have passing rats in my rear yard, I use commercially available rat poison, it does work but can take a week or so, once the rats begin to consume the goodies I have left out for them?

As for the missing bricks? scrunched up wire mesh, and jamb it into the missing brick holes or infill with brick? nothing complex or expensive?

As opps above have you seen any droppings? sorry if i offend, small cigar shaped brown pellets?

Ken.

 

[opps]

Here's a picture comparing mouse and rat droppings.

https://www.pantherpestcontrol.co.uk/rat-control/mouse-and-rat-droppings-difference/