Rodents look for warm, food-adjacent spaces as temperatures drop around Burnaby, Vancouver, North Van, and West Van. A quick weekend check can stop most issues.
What You Need (Plus PPE)
- N95 (or better) mask, safety glasses, nitrile/utility gloves
- ¼” galvanized hardware cloth (metal mesh), tin snips
- Exterior-grade sealant/caulk, backer rod, and/or mortar
- Steel wool (coarse), screwdriver & masonry/construction screws
- Flashlight or headlamp, putty knife
Step 1. Start at dusk with PPE on.
Rodents are active then; you’ll feel warm air leaks and spot rub marks more easily.
Step 2: Screen vent openings.
Cut ¼” mesh to fit and fasten it behind vent hoods. Seal edges.
Step 3: Close the siding-to-foundation gap.
Where siding meets concrete, tuck mesh into the gap and secure with screws/mortar.
Step 4: Cap utility penetrations.
Around the electrical meter base and conduits, fit a removable mesh cover and seal the perimeter, not the meter itself.
Step 5: Seal pipes that pass through walls.
Pack coarse steel wool gently into the gap, then cap with exterior sealant or mortar.
Step 6: Fix vertical trim/fascia gaps.
Where trim meets stucco or siding, add backer rod + sealant or mesh if the gap exceeds ¼”.
Step 7: Address large cracks at corners.
For wider voids at the foundation edge, use mesh as a “backer,” then mortar or high-build sealant.
Step 8: Tidy the perimeter.
Move wood piles 20+ feet away, trim shrubs 8–12″ off the wall, and keep lids tight on bins.
Need a Professional Handyman?
At Microworks, we focus on small jobs done right. Whether you’re in Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, or Burnaby, our team is fully licensed, insured, covered by WorkSafeBC, and we back our work with a warranty.
Get in touch today through our contact page, or give us a call at 604-836-4178 to schedule your project
Want more DIY tips? Check out our recent post: How to Reseal a Bathtub the Right Way.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or send us a message, we’re always happy to help you get the job done right.
