Wildlife entry points in older Pittsburgh homes

Building age by itself does not establish that wildlife can enter. What matters is the actual condition of the structure. Deteriorated or damaged materials, weak or displaced roofing, rotted wood, failed screens or vent covers, aging seals, penetrations, and other defects can create usable openings.

Older structures should therefore be evaluated for condition and access points, not presumed to have wildlife problems merely because of age.

In the 2024 ACS 5-year estimate for Pittsburgh city, Pennsylvania, 78,226 of an estimated 161,908 housing units were built in 1939 or earlier, approximately 48.3%.

House mice can fit through an opening approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm), about the width of a pencil. Rodent inspection therefore needs to account for very small structural gaps rather than considering only large or obvious holes.