Buffalo Doubles and Basements: Where Rodents Get In
Buffalo's housing is dominated by older wood frame doubles and brick houses with stone or block basements. Combined with long winters, they create specific rodent routes that this guide walks through.
Stone and block basements
Stone and block foundations often have crumbling mortar and openings where utility lines were added later. Rats need about half an inch and mice about a quarter inch.
- Look for crumbling mortar at the base of the wall.
- Check where gas, water, cable and electric lines enter.
- Inspect old coal chutes and cellar windows.
Frame doubles and wall cavities
Older frame houses and doubles have wall cavities that connect the basement to the attic. A mouse inside can reach any floor.
In a double, tell the other unit and the owner early, since a one side fix rarely lasts.
Porches, garages and sheds
Back porches, detached garages and sheds are common nesting spots. Rodents often use them first and then move into the main house.
- Keep stored items off the floor.
- Replace worn door sweeps and garage seals.
- Trim back shrubs touching the walls.
Winter and the thaw
Snow hides burrows and foundation gaps for months. Check the outside walls in late fall, before snow, and again at the spring thaw.
Freeze and thaw cycles widen cracks, so a patch that held last year may need redoing.
What to seal with
Use materials rodents cannot chew through, such as steel mesh, hardware cloth, metal flashing and cement based patching products. Foam and plastic alone will not hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Buffalo homes get more mice in winter?
Cold and snow push mice toward heated buildings, and older foundations and wall cavities give them easy routes in.
Is it worth sealing a double if my neighbor has mice?
Yes. Sealing your side makes it harder for them to enter your unit, though shared walls mean a coordinated fix works best.
What is the best time to seal my home?
Late summer and early fall, before the first freeze pushes mice indoors.
Sources
Rules and numbers on this page come from these public sources. Check them for the latest wording, since agencies update their pages.