How Do Rodents Keep Finding Their Way into My Property?

If you live in Long Island or Queens, NY and keep wondering, “How are these rodents getting in?”, you’re not alone. Mice and rats are sneaky and can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime—making it easy for them to enter homes, garages, and basements without being noticed. Whether you're in a single-family home in Nassau County or a row house in Queens, these pests will take advantage of any small crack or hole. In this blog, we’ll explore the top ways rodents enter properties—and how to block them out for good.

How Rodents Get Into Your Property in Long Island and Queens, NY

Rodents are clever, persistent, and surprisingly flexible. In fact, rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter, and mice can fit through gaps as small as a dime. No matter how clean or modern your property is, these pests will find a way in if there’s an opening. Here's how they’re likely getting into your home or business in Queens or Long Island:

1. Gaps Around Doors and Windows: Worn-out weather stripping, misaligned doors, or unsealed window frames give rodents easy access—especially in older buildings commonly found in neighborhoods like Jamaica or Hempstead.

2. Cracks in Foundations and Walls: Tiny cracks in your home's foundation, brickwork, or siding are an open invitation for rodents. Over time, water damage and shifting soil in Long Island’s sandy terrain can create more of these openings.

3. Vents and Utility Line Openings: Rodents love to sneak in through gaps around dryer vents, gas lines, cable wiring, and plumbing. These are often overlooked entry points, especially behind appliances or in basement utility rooms.

4. Rooflines and Attic Vents: Loose shingles, broken soffits, and open attic vents are perfect entryways for rodents, particularly roof rats, which are common in both urban areas of Queens and suburban Long Island towns.

5. Garages and Sheds: Detached garages, sheds, and outdoor storage areas often have gaps under doors or wall panels. Once inside, rodents can chew through drywall or insulation to get into your home.

6. Basement and Crawl Space Openings: Many homes in Long Island and Queens have basements or crawl spaces with small vents or window wells. Without proper sealing, these areas are highly vulnerable to rodent entry.

7. Openings Around HVAC Systems and Chimneys: Unscreened vents or uncapped chimneys allow rodents to enter from the roof or sides of your building, especially during colder months when they seek warmth indoors.

Six Rodent Prevention Tips

While rodents are one of the more challenging pests in the area to deter, this doesn't mean there aren’t effective steps to take. There are DIY measures you can implement that can prevent an infestation.

Here is where you should start:

1. Use steel wool and wire mesh to cover holes in the walls and foundation. It’s important to use materials that mice can’t chew through.

2. Reduce moisture around your home by ensuring good ventilation and using dehumidifiers. It's also important to fix leaky pipes and faucets and address any drainage issues. 

3. Clean up food waste by wiping up food and drink spills as soon as they happen and keeping kitchen spaces cleaned. This means doing dirty dishes and sweeping and mopping floors.

4.  Get lids for all garbage cans both inside the home and out. Remove trash and yard debris from around the property. 

5. Get professional pest assistance to help keep mice, rats, and other rodents away throughout the year.

These steps are a great start for preventing a rodent infestation, but they are likely not enough if mice and rats have already made their way inside your home or business.