Door sweeps: Where insects fail, rodents succeed

Door sweeps are an important tool for exclusion, but there is a difference between insect-proof and rodent-proof. If insects were our only concern, this pair of door sweeps would be a perfect solution.

If a pen can get through a door sweep, so can a rat or mouse — whether it’s an interior (left, above) or exterior door (right, above).

Keeping mice out requires a door sweep with a little more rigor. You should test doors with sweeps even if they look well installed. Mice will either push through these sweeps or chew off a few bristles.

You can reach Contributor Mark Sheperdigian at shep@rosepest.com.