Install door sweeps and weather stripping

What to Do

Install door sweeps on all exterior doors, including the garage entry door. Add weather stripping around door frames and windows where gaps exist. Replace the rubber seal at the bottom of the garage door if a pencil can fit underneath.

Why It Works

Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a pencil (1/4 inch). The gap under a standard exterior door is one of the most common entry points. Door sweeps and weather stripping block these openings without affecting normal door function. This is a low-cost, permanent improvement that reduces all pest pressure.

Tips

• Brush-style door sweeps last longer than vinyl on rough surfaces like concrete
• Check weather stripping annually — it compresses and deteriorates over time
• The garage door bottom seal is frequently overlooked but is a major rodent entry point
• Combine with foundation exclusion for comprehensive perimeter sealing
• Cost: $5-15 per door sweep