Homeowners often focus on trapping rodents already inside, but this approach fails to address the persistent influx of new pests. Bowman emphasizes that foundation cracks, deteriorating weatherstripping on doors, and gaps around utility lines serve as primary access points. Because homes shift and building materials degrade over time, these small openings inevitably widen, creating perfect entryways for mice seeking warmth and shelter.

Garage doors and exterior vents present unique challenges. While vents must remain unobstructed to maintain airflow, they often lack the specialized materials needed to block rodents. Bowman suggests that effective control requires a dual-track strategy: removing current populations through trapping while simultaneously executing a systematic exclusion plan. This involves inspecting travel patterns, nesting sites, and food storage areas like pantries or pet feeding zones. Identifying these routes is rarely a one-time task, as sealing a single gap rarely eliminates all paths into a property.