The weep holes in my house are larger than most and I want to put a mesh screen/insert to block access by rats (and hopefully mice too). Is there a commercial product that would suit (ones I've seen look too narrow)? Or a DIY hack?
Thank you
Hi @Schnauzersociet,
First, can you confirm whether these openings are weep holes (drainage points for a wall cavity) or if they’re actually subfloor ventilation vents?
That’s important, because if they’re weep holes, they must remain open to allow moisture to drain from the cavity. Blocking them incorrectly can cause serious moisture issues inside the wall.
If they’re subfloor air vents, then covering them is fine, you just need to do it in a way that still allows airflow. Due to their size, I'd be more inclined to think they are subfloor ventilation.
If they are air vents, do you have access to the back side of the wall? If you can get behind it, a neat solution would be to run a bead of Liquid Nails Landscape adhesive around the inside of the opening and glue on a section of Jack 900mm x 5m 6.5 x 6.5mm Mouse Mesh. That will stop rodents getting in while still allowing ventilation.
If you don’t have rear access, can you measure the total size of the opening that needs to be covered? Something like a Haron 300 x 150mm White Aluminium Pressed Wall Vent could potentially be fixed over the front. Those can be screwed into masonry and will look much neater while maintaining airflow.
Let me tag @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Good Afternoon @Schnauzersociet
They do look like subfloor air vents which makes it really easy to stop rodents or bees getting through :)
I had my bees decide to split from their hive and make a new colony in my walls… I covered up the air vent with some cheap stainless steel wool i poked into the slot far enough not to be seen and still blockimg the vent and at the same time allowing air to freely circulate :) Its been there for 3 years plus now with no issues.
Dave
Yes, they're vents, not weep holes. The steel wool sounds easiest @Dave-1 - does it come in different grades? some looser to preserve ventilation better? I do have access to inside of walls so the mesh and glue idea is also a possibility. The external vent solution seems the most invasive and a last resort. Thank you both
Afternoon @Schnauzersociet
I would go for the "proper" steel wool. The stainless steel type as it wont rust and lasts forever.
Hi @Schnauzersociet
I would definitely go with @MitchellMc 2nd solution being the Haron 300 x 150mm White Aluminium Pressed Wall Vent as this will offer the neatest permanent no maintenance solution. If you have a hammer drill, put a 10mm bit in it and make a series of holes in the mortar course in that centre piece. Then it should easily tap through. Its basically the same solution I have done for some of my customers. Nailbag
