How Can Rats Fit Through Air Bricks?
WouterOne of the most important things to remember when rodent-proofing your home is to check for holes in your walls. Rats are notorious for chewing through pipes, wood, plastic, and even brick. Even a small hole can be enough to let a rat through. If you notice a hole in your wall, make sure to seal it with steel mesh. This will prevent the rat from chewing through the brick and entering your home.
Although they are extremely small creatures, rats are very adept climbers. Their claws are shaped to allow them to burrow up vertical walls and their legs are designed to move quickly. They can scurry up a building’s side at high speeds. Despite their small size, rats can burrow up to five metres underground.
Rats are often drawn to buildings during inclement weather. They can chew holes through air bricks, limiting ventilation in the home. Moreover, blocked air bricks increase the risk of dampness and rot. This is why it is crucial to check your air bricks on a regular basis to avoid rat problems.
While mice can squeeze through holes no bigger than six millimeters, rats can easily chew through air bricks with their long incisors. Besides, they have soft skulls and bodies, which make them able to squeeze through small holes. It is therefore important to ensure the air brick is completely air-tight and sealed.
