Prevent Rodents and Birds from Entering Attic and House

To prevent rats, mice, and birds from entering through unprotected ventilation holes in the eaves, many homeowners think they are doing right by tacking up chicken wire or another type of wire mesh.

But chicken wire is much too flimsy, and a determined rodent can work its way through the wire. Not only that, but the weave in chicken wire is too wide: most rodents and even birds can get through. Other types of mesh screen still may have a too-wide weave.

You need to buy a product called "hardware cloth," available at even the most basic hardware store. I've been using the stuff for years and had never paid attention to its official name. Buy hardware cloth with either a quarter-inch or eighth-inch weave. Anything wider will not work.



Buy Direct - Ace Hardware Cloth, 1/8" x 1/8" weave
Buy Direct - Ace Hardware Cloth, 1/4" x 1/4" weave