Mice problems are a common concern for many homeowners, owing to how they can chew through different parts of your house causing significant damage. They are particularly notorious for digging holes in walls, leaving unsightly damage that can be a cause for major concern. Repairing this type of damage is crucial not just for the aesthetic appeal of your home, but also to prevent further infestations. While severe cases of infestation and damage may require professional intervention, minor repairs can be made by following simple steps to effectively fix mouse damage in walls. This article will provide a comprehensive guide in this regard.
To start the repair process, the first step involves ensuring you have gotten rid of the mice because it is counterproductive to fix the walls while the mice are still present. You can use different strategies such as trapping or using mice repellents to ensure they are completely gone. After you have successfully removed the mice, gather all necessary tools and protection gear. Some of the primary tools needed include putty knives, sandpaper, primers, paint, wire mesh, and safety fractions like gloves and masks. Clearly identifying mice entry-points is also vital. Notably, mouse holes are usually small, roughly the size of a dime, and they can easily go unnoticed. They are commonly found in isolated, quiet places in your house such as in the attic or the basement.
The second step is to seal off these entry-points, this deters any future infestations. To effectively accomplish this, cutting a patch of wire mesh that is larger than the hole is done. The patch should be big enough to overlap the surrounding wall. Afterward, fasten the wire mesh over the hole using a staple gun. Alternatively, if a staple gun is unavailable, household cement or adhesive can be used. It’s crucial to be thorough during this process as mice are persistent creatures and can chew through if the mesh is not securely fastened.
Having satisfactorily sealed off the entry points, the third step is to mend the damaged areas. This is where plaster or drywall compounds come into use. Apply the compound over the wire mesh and surrounding wall using a putty knife until it is evenly spread and the wall is smooth. Once the compound is dried properly (this usually takes 24 hours), make use of a sandpaper to smoothen any rough edges for a uniform finish. The aim is to achieve a continuous surface, comparable to the other areas of your wall.
The final part of the process is to paint the repaired areas. Before applying the intended paint color, a primer should be used to cover the patchwork. A primer aids in hiding the repair work and allows the topcoat of paint to have a smooth, clean finish. Once the primer has dried up, paint can now be applied. It is important to ensure that the paint matches the rest of your wall for the repair to be less noticeable.
Altogether, repairing mouse damage in walls is a task that requires patience and precision. As with every DIY project, if you feel the damage is too severe or the task too demanding, it is advisable to hire professional help. However, by following these steps, minor repairs can be made, restoring your walls to their original state. It is important to remember that maintaining a mouse-free environment is key as further infestations will only repeat the cycle of damage and repair.