IR leak detector

[RobA]

Our house was built 4 years ago. The builder we used does things right. However, mice are finding their way in. We even had a small snake in the basement this past summer. I cannot figure out how they are getting in. The foundation is poured concrete and extends at least 3 feet above the soil line. I have checked everywhere utilities come in or out. I had an exterminator check the house and he could not find anything (although I question how good he was). Doors are not being left open.

Assuming that the only way they are getting in is through a small crack or opening I was thinking about using some sort of infrared detector to locate it. IR cameras are expensive. Has anyone used an IR leak detector for this sort of thing?

 

[Billrog]

Go out side at night with a light on inside and see if there's and light coming from around the bottom of the doors.

 

[MossRoad]

Haven't used that, but did a bit of IR 35mm photography back in high school. Found some heat issues with my folks house. But that could take quite a bit of pictures to get every angle VS a digital screen where you can just walk around on a cool evening and see the heat leaking out live.

As far as critters getting in.... its always the garage doors! :laughing:

 

[robs660]

You can buy the FLIR camera that works with our iPhone for $200.00. It works really well and you will find a hundred other uses for it. They are amazing for finding things that you can't find with the naked eye.

 

[boggen]

type of siding on house? those little bloody varmints can sneak in through a hair width crack....

the "ninja assassin" shadow (collie/australian shepherd mix) decided to bring in a dead mouse yesterday. i thought it was a toy laying on steps, but as soon as i open door she went down scooped it up. i went down to grab it out of her mouth and end up with a mauled up mouse in my hand, guts coming out and everything :/ she acts more cat than dog *shaking head*

i would say time to get "5 gallon mouse bucket trap" going. look it up on youtube. lots of videos. very simple, very effective, very cheap. and it works to boot.

 

[RobA]

Our garage is detached. The siding is Hardie board. I'm using bucket traps in my tractor barn. Snap traps all over the place.

I thought about the FLIR camera but didn't want to spend that much - unless I need to do so.

Considering this Amazon.com: Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector: Home Improvement
but am not sure how useful it is unless I have likely spots or areas to look at.

 

[4570Man]

An IR camera is amazing. I'm sure you could see a hole and any other heat loss sources. They are so sensitive that if you remove your shoes and walk across a concrete floor it can see the warm spots created by your feet. It can also see where the dog walked across the same concrete floor.

 

[Boiler74]

Do you have a sump pit with gravity drain? I do and even though I was meticulous about sealing the house I built I got a mouse. Figured out it came up the gravity drain line out of my sump pit. Put wire mesh over it and haven't had a problem since. Just my experience but thought I should mention it.