Mice coming from foundation?

[Jason D.]

I recently purchased a duplex on a slab foundation. There is some cracking along where the house meets the side walk and driveway conrete (should form nice sealled 90 degree angle). Some of the cracks are larger than other spots. The tenant called and says she is having a problem with mice. Aside from ensuring the house is clean, would sealing these areas be a good place to start? I know it needs to be done but have only owned the house for a week. Anyone recommed a product for this job to DIY?

[Bill S.]

No specific recommendations. Most products require the use of backer rod for wider gaps. Backer rod is actually a round foam product that you force into the crack to give the sealer support to span the opening. Works great and should always be done. Good sealer is expensive so if nothing else it cuts down on the amount of the product needed.

From what you are saying, I doubt sealing cracks between the foundation and the sidewalk and driveway will make a difference. Mice are already in the house they need to be trapped or poisoned. I have found that most likely the tenant is leaving the door open when doing this or that and the mice are making their way into the house that way. Hard to convince tenants of this though.