Preventing mice is no small task. Even if you’ve sealed every hole and kept your home spotless, mice can still find a way in. Take a moment to reconsider—could there be an entry point you’ve missed? Mice are capable of squeezing through tiny gaps, and they often surprise homeowners by finding hidden openings. Maybe you overlooked small openings that only professional pest control experts would easily spot.
What about air bricks? Can mice get through air bricks? If so, how do they do it? In this article, we’ll discuss how mice can get through air bricks, how they exploit these vents, and share effective strategies to keep them out for good.
Can Mice Get Through Air Bricks?
Absolutely. Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6mm — roughly the diameter of a standard pen or pencil. You might think, “There’s no way a mouse can get through something that small,” but the reality is quite different. Mice can navigate through air bricks, and some even chew through them if needed.
When survival is on the line, mice will go to great lengths to find any opening, including those tiny air vents and gaps that you might think are secure.
How do Mice Enter through Air Bricks?
Surprisingly, mice can enter through air bricks but how do they do it? Let’s uncover the structural tricks that help mice squeeze through tiny gaps:
Suppleness of the Spine: Did you know mice have super bendy spines? This flexibility helps them twist and flatten their bodies so they can slip through even the smallest cracks.
Absence of Rigid Collarbone: Because mice don’t have a hard collarbone, they can pull their shoulders in, which helps them fit into really snug spots.
Light Skeleton: Mice bones are surprisingly light and bendy, which helps them squeeze through tiny holes that look way too small for them.
Flexible Ribcage: Mice can squash their ribcage to make their bodies slimmer, so they can crawl through tight spots with ease.
All in all, mice leverage these structural features to invade even pencil-sized gaps—something that seems impossible to the naked eye.
How to block mice entry through air bricks?
Since mice can invade through air bricks, the first challenge is to block their entry without disrupting airflow. The solution? An air brick cover. But which type works best, and how do you install it? Let’s find out.
Stainless steel is the top pick here because it’s sturdy and mice-proof. If you opt for a plastic cover, ensure the mesh is metal; plastic mesh alone won’t do the job.
How to install an air brick cover? It’s quite simple. You can attach it with glue or fix it with screws—both methods are straightforward.
Pro Tip: Do not place a cover over air vents used for gas appliances, such as boilers or water heaters. Over time, dust and debris can block the mesh, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup. If you have even a 0.01% doubt about installing it yourself, it’s best to hire trusted professionals like BioActive Pest Control.
Bottom Line
Now that you know, can mice get through air bricks or not? Your first step should be to recheck the vents. Look for signs of mice to confirm if they have already invaded. Then, select the appropriate mesh cover to install.
Mice entering through air vents can disrupt airflow and other functions. Therefore, it’s crucial to mouse-proof your vents by installing secure air brick covers.
FAQ About Mice Getting Through Air Bricks and Prevention
What material can mice not get through?
Mice can’t chew through or get past metal meshes—they hate steel and other metals, making these ideal materials for barriers.
How to rodent-proof vents?
Secure air brick covers with screws to ensure they stay firmly in place. Using fine metal mesh will effectively prevent mice from squeezing inside.
What can I put in my air vents to keep mice away?
Cover your vents with fine-mesh screens and consider using natural repellents, such as peppermint oil, around the area to discourage mice.
What time of year are mice most active?
Mice are busiest indoors during the colder months of winter and fall, seeking food and shelter. They’re more active outside in warmer months, such as spring and summer, to breed and establish new colonies.
What time of day do rats come out?
Rats are nocturnal, so they come out mainly at night. If there’s a large infestation, you might see mice during daylight hours.
What smell do mice absolutely hate?
Mice strongly dislike the scents of essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and clove, making them useful natural deterrents.