Why proofing needs a full site view
Drain routes considered
Where pipework may be the problem, we can look beyond the walls and check the drains.
Access points mapped
We trace entry routes at ground level, roof level and around service penetrations.
Proofing with prevention
After the work, we explain what renewed activity or new gaps may look like.
Stop rats and mice using the same way in
If rats or mice keep reappearing, control work on its own may not be enough. We start rodent proofing in Newton Abbot with a survey that looks for the routes animals are using, from gaps around pipes and service entries to damaged vents, eaves, doors, cladding and outbuildings. We also look at roof-level access and, where needed, the drainage side of the property. The aim is to understand how the building is being entered before any materials are fitted. That matters because proofing works best when it is based on the way rodents actually move through the site, not on guesswork.
Proofing that works with control, not against it
Closing gaps sounds simple, but active rodents need to be assessed properly so they are not sealed into occupied spaces or pushed deeper into the building. We can advise on suitable exclusion around pipes, vents, doors, eaves and other openings using robust materials that fit the size and position of the gap. If pipework is a suspected route, we can also discuss drain surveys and rat flaps. After the work, we explain what to watch for so you can spot fresh activity or any new access points that develop over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can proofing be done before rodents are controlled?
Sometimes, but not always. If animals are already active inside the structure, sealing holes too soon can create a worse problem. We assess current activity first so proofing and control work support each other instead of conflicting.
What areas do you check during a proofing survey?
We look at common entry points such as gaps around pipes, air bricks, vents, doors, damaged cladding, eaves, roof edges and outbuildings. If the signs suggest it, we may also recommend checking drain routes into the property.
What are rat flaps used for?
A rat flap is a device fitted in suitable pipework to help stop rats travelling up through drains and into the property. It is only one part of a wider proofing plan, so we advise on it when drainage is a likely access route.