As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. Indeed, nothing could be closer to the truth when it comes to pest management. The most effective strategy is to prevent pests from entering your premises in the first place.
One potential entry point for pests is through openings under doors, or between the door and doorframe. Surprisingly, a gap of only 0.4cm permits entry of insects and spiders, a 0.6 cm gap allows entry of mice, while a mere 1.3 cm gap is large enough for rats to enter! Door seals are therefore vital in deterring pests from entering your premises.
What kinds of door seals are there, and where can I get them?
There are different varieties of door seals available in the market. Plastic sweeps or rubber door seals block off gaps completely, permitting not only entry but also light, from being emitted, thus preventing pests such as lizards, that are attracted to light sources. Nylon bristles, on the other hand, are flexible and hence suitable for sealing irregular surfaces.
In addition to keeping pests out, door seals also prevent leakage of outside air into your lab, preventing contamination of sensitive chemicals and cultures. Acoustic door seals also provide soundproofing. Hence, one door seal can perform a variety of functions.
Having a rough time with rodents? Stay tuned for reviews of rodent traps in our next issue!
Types of door seals include plastic or rubber sweeps, adhesive threshold seals, and nylon bristles. Photo credit: https://precisionbrush.com/weather-seal-brushes
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