• Rodent damage to light switch. The mouse was found electrocuted in the wall still attached to the switch.
• Rodent damage to light switch
• Rodent damage to light fitting. The warmth from the incandescent bulb encourages mice to nest above the fitting and chew on cables leading to short circuits and fires.
• Rodent damage to electrical cabling
• Rodent damage to waste water pipe
• Lack of door stops and door handle damage to soft wall materials can combine to allow entry points for mice into wall cavities and cabling.

Ensure

• B6.2 .2.

  walls, eaves and ceiling linings use materials that can resist accidental damage, which could create entry points for vermin

• B6.2 .3.

  penetrations through bond beams, used with block work walls, for electrical wiring are sealed against vermin entry into block work cores and electrical wiring

• B6.2 .4.

  any penetrations in walls or floors for drains, electrical cabling and water supply piping are sealed with a solid material to prevent entry by vermin

• B6.2 .5.

  corrugated metal walls are sealed around the edges using a metal barrier made from similar material to prevent entry by mice and other vermin

• B6.2 .6.

  ventilation openings are screened to prevent entry by vermin

• B6.2 .7.

  that any ceiling mounted light fitting, that can be fitted with a heat producing bulb or globe, only be installed if a protective cover over the wiring point of connection in the ceiling space is fitted to avoid mice nesting on the warm fitting and attacking wiring

• B6.2 .8.

  rainwater tank openings, inlets and overflows, are screened to prevent entry by vermin that drown and pollute the stored water

• B6.2 .9.

  when using polyethylene (PE) or poly vinyl chloride (PVC) water piping that the pipe is well protected from vermin attack

• B6.2 .10.

  doors stops are fitted to prevent door handles making holes in walls, which could create entry points for vermin.

Consider

• using conduits for electrical cables in ceiling spaces
• using strong internal wall materials up to at least 1800mm from the floor to prevent accidental damage, such as moving furniture or door handles damaging walls, that might enable access by rats, mice and other vermin
• designing vermin proof pantries or food storage cupboards
• selecting stoves with a vermin proof shell or vermin proofing kit
• avoiding the use of standard bayonet-type light fittings on the ceiling to prevent mice nesting in the ceiling space above the fitting
• specifying solid seals around plumbing, drains and electrical conduits
• fitting weather strips on all external doors
• avoiding insulated sandwich panel construction for walls, where bottom wall plates and panel joining strips are subject to water and physical damage, as the insulated core can then harbour rats, mice and other vermin.
• the use of insulated sandwich panel ceiling systems, with well sealed edges, to prevent mice breeding places in ceilings and provide a good clear working surface for maintenance contractors.

Real world examples of Solutions

• wall materials and floor to wall detailing inside and outside the house for gaps and voids that may allow rodent entry
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• any roof vents, gable end vents, evaporative cooling system ducts, eaves linings and wall to ceiling junctions for rodent entry points
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• door stops have been fitted to prevent wall damage from door handles
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

• weather strips are fitted on external doors, if specified
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION
  TRADE TEST

• metal flashings or cover strips are properly fixed on steel clad houses.
  

  When: COMPLETED DESIGN & SPECIFICATION
  DURING CONSTRUCTION
  AT HANDOVER
  FINAL COMPLETION

As part of cyclical maintenance:

• if there is an observed pest problem, establish a pest reduction program carried out by a licensed contractor
  

  Who : Pest Controller, Housing Management

  When : 6 Months

• repair holes, cracks or gaps that allow rodent entry
  

  Who : Carpenter, Local Maintenance Team

  When : 6 Months

• cut back tree branches that are near to, or touching, the house that may provide vermin entry.
  

  Who : Local Maintenance Team, Housing Management

  When : 12 Months