How to fix big gap under weatherboard house?

[hannahk]

 

Hi, 

We have just bought a 1920 weatherboard Californian bungalow. We have heard and seen rats coming out from underneath the house and there is a large gap between the bottom of the weatherboard and the ground. What’s the best approach to blocking this off whilst still allowing airflow to the subfloor? 
thanks Hannah 

[AlanM52]

Hi @hannahk,

I have been doing backyard chooks for like 25 years and also helping others (even in rural areas) so the first thing I suggest (which may sound silly) is collect some background info about your enemy - they are smart. For example (if in your area) the Brown Rat is a very capable digger so you will need an even deeper trench for the heavy duty wire mesh barrier around the house. There are also other variables, you may find the rats you evict from under the house end up in the roof. If you also have the Northern Hopping Mouse in your area (that may turn up) you will need a 1/4" mesh.

I generally propose the following, dig a narrow trench around the house in preparation for the already purchased wire mesh barrier and stop at that point. The next step is to entice the rats out and then install the mesh barrier secured to the bottom board.

All of the above may sound convoluted but it's very likely they will cause damage... even gnawed electrical cables.

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @hannahk 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about the gap under your weatherboard house.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @AlanM52. I totally agree with his strategy of luring the rats out first before fixing the mesh permanently. I would also like to suggest fitting a sleeper horizontally (lying flat) at the bottom to serve as an anchor point for the mesh.    

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[hannahk]

Hi @AlanM52 

Thanks so much for this great advice. I will spend some time as a rat detective and then get started with the mesh barrier. Do you have any tips for how one might lure that rats out? 

Thanks 

[hannahk]

Hi @EricL 

Thanks for your response and welcome to the community. 

I like the suggestion of the horizontal sleeper. Given this will be in the soil, is there a specific type I should use to reduce the occurrence of other pest issues in the future (e.g. termites)? 

Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Hi @hannahk, 

For luring the rats out, the idea is to make the area under the house less appealing while giving them a reason to leave. You can try placing some bait stations just outside the subfloor, and clean out any debris that might be under the house, where they could make their homes. Just simple bait and patience usually work. Once you’re confident that most have left, that’s when you can install the wire mesh barrier securely.

For the horizontal sleeper at the bottom, it’s best to use a termite-resistant timber, such as treated pine or hardwood like spotted gum or ironbark. Make sure it’s rated for in-ground use so it doesn’t rot or attract termites. Avoid untreated timber, as that will quickly become a target for termites and other pests. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell