{
  "id": 19608705,
  "title": "I thought I had mouse-proofed my home until a pest expert revealed these surprising entry points I had overlooked — and you probably have, too",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/i-thought-i-had-mouse-proofed-my-home-until-a-pest-expert-revealed",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-12T06:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/i-thought-i-had-mouse-proofed-my-home-until-a-pest-expert-revealed-these-surprising-entry-points-i-had-overlooked-and-you-probably-have-too"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Even a seasoned pest fighter like myself can be caught off guard by the sneaky ways mice and rodents find their way into our homes. While I diligently sealed off entryways at ground level and focused on baseboards, I never imagined the roof would become a surprising access point for these unwanted guests. According to pest experts, the roofline is often one of the most underestimated entry points for mice. They can scale walls, climb utility wires, and sneak up from above through tree branches, making the roofline an often overlooked access point. To safeguard against this, homeowners should seal off gaps with steel mesh or hardware cloth, combined with sealant to block any holes. Additionally, keeping shrubs, overgrown branches, and vegetation near the roof trimmed back can make it more difficult for mice to scale the exterior of the building. Beyond the roof, we tend to overlook gaps under garage doors and sheds as potential entry points for mice. A gap as small as a quarter inch or even just a dime-sized opening is enough for a mouse to squeeze through, while a rat needs only a quarter-sized opening. Regularly inspecting these areas and sealing any gaps or cracks with caulk or mesh wool can help keep these unwanted visitors at bay. Furthermore, ensuring that leaf piles, debris, and plant materials around entryways are regularly cleared can prevent rodents from finding shelter and hiding spots within your home during colder months. By focusing on these often-overlooked areas, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of a mouse infestation and potentially avoid the need for pest control services in the long run.",
  "summary": "A pest expert reveals the surprising entry points that could be a ‘magnet for mice’ this winter.",
  "key_points": [
    "Roofline often overlooked entry point for mice",
    "Seal gaps with steel mesh or hardware cloth",
    "Trim vegetation near roof to deter mice"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting focus from ground-level seals to the roofline and garage doors addresses the vertical and overlooked pathways that allow rodents to bypass traditional home defenses.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}