Built-in Rodent Entry Points in New Dallas Homes

Rodent Damage is Easy to Prevent if Entry Points Are Identified

Rodents can cause significant damage to new homes, often leading to costly repairs or even the complete removal and replacement of attic insulation. In addition to damaging insulation, they create unsanitary conditions and may damage water pipes or electrical wiring. But much of this damage is preventable, because openings rodents can use to enter your home are created by poor workmanship and not discovered until rodents have already caused significant damage.

During inspections of new construction homes, we frequently find three “built-in” entry points for rodents:

1. Roof Eaves at Gables or Dormers
2. Air Conditioning Lineset Entry
3. Garage Door Jambs

“Currently, the cost of attic insulation removal, sanitization, and replacement in an average Dallas home ranges from $8,000 to $10,000—and it’s typically not covered by insurance.”

Roof Eaves at Gables or Dormers

Rodents can easily climb masonry or stucco walls to access the roof, where they search for openings into warm, sheltered areas like the attic. One common entry point is where gable roofs meet main roof areas. Even small gaps, just 1–2 inches high, can be enough for a rodent to enter. Once inside, they can access the entire attic, wall spaces, and even areas between floors.

Three locations at a newly completed home in Prosper, Texas with gaps large enough to admit rodents. The gaps are not visible from the ground.

In the attic, rodent droppings often accumulate on HVAC equipment, water heaters, work platforms, and stored items. Rodents may also chew on PVC vent pipes or, worse, PEX water supply tubing. If left untreated, the odor of rodent urine can permeate the attic. Currently, the cost of attic insulation removal, sanitization, and replacement in an average Dallas home ranges from $8,000 to $10,000—and it’s typically not covered by insurance. According to Critter Control® of Fort Worth, “Infestations and the resulting damage are typically categorized as home maintenance issues, leaving the homeowner responsible for any expenses associated with removal or repair.”

To prevent rodent entry at the roof level, consider having your new home inspected during construction. Preventing rodent access is not typically a priority during roof work and requires additional attention to detail. Rodent access points can be permanently blocked with galvanized sheet metal, easily installed during roof installation, or else before occupancy.

Air Conditioning Lineset Entry Points

Another common entry point is where the air conditioning lineset enters the building. This lineset is a pair of copper tubes connecting the outdoor HVAC unit with the indoor equipment, which is often located in the attic. The larger tube is covered with a black rubber foam insulation sleeve.

During the air conditioning part of the home inspection, we often find gaps large enough for rodent entry where the lineset enters the wall, often due to poor masonry workmanship. Once inside the wall, rodents can follow the lineset to the HVAC equipment and gain access to most of the attic. To prevent this, it’s crucial to ensure that lineset entry points are tightly sealed with no gaps. Expanding foam or tight-fitting materials work well here.

Prevention is Better than Repair 

To protect your home from rodent damage, an inspection during construction is invaluable. For new homes, entry points can be permanently blocked with galvanized sheet metal. For existing homes, pest control professionals typically use galvanized mesh and expanding foam. Though effective, these solutions are not as “clean” as permanent correction during construction, due to limited access. After exclusion measures are completed, traps are usually set to monitor for any activity.

Due to the significant costs associated with fixing rodent damage, we encourage new home buyers to make sure builders close these entry points, or else pay for rodent damage resulting from built-in entry points. By addressing these entry points early, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and keep their living spaces safe, clean, and rodent-free.

Rodents even got inside the furnace of this Frisco home.