Recommendations for mesh to cover a vent

red_imps_2003

I would like to cover the vent from my extractor hood with some mesh/gauze, as I suspect this is where rats have been entering my home. The holes need to be small enough to prevent mice (not just rats) from entering and strong enough not to be gnawed away but I would also like to be able to either cut it to size or mould it around the vent in some way. I've wandered around a number of DiY stores but not seen anything that looks appropriate yet. I don't have the exact aperture size to hand, but I estimate it's around 15cm x 10cm.

To be clear, the bit I want to cover is mounted on the outside wall, where the hose leaves the building. There is a plastic hood which directs the airflow downwards and presumably is designed to prevent rain from blowing in. Any ideas for covering it to keep vermin out would be greatly appreciated.

martinsurrey

get some galvanised chicken wire.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/apollo-25mm-galvanised-wire-netting-0-6-x-10m/74993

i assume the vent looks like this

http://www.screwfix.com/p/manrose-cowl-vent-brown-140-x-140mm/14789

Shape the wire (several layers thick to reduce the size of holes) to cover the hole at the bottom, I would suggest a U shape with the sides inside the vent and the bottom bit protecting the hole.

Not perfect but will get the job done.

London50

If you can remove the hood that connects to the hole in the wall or can drill the hood and use bolts to fit it then below SHOULD do the job

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B017BM1CRY/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

firefox1956

One of these would do you job & look tidy........
http://www.screwfix.com/p/zp28x165-flue-guard-280-x-150mm/6641g
HTH

FreeBear

London50 wrote: »

If you can remove the hood that connects to the hole in the wall or can drill the hood and use bolts to fit it then below SHOULD do the job

I used something similar on a wall vent last year. My mesh was very, very fine (in the order of 0.25mm holes). Fine enough to stop even the most determined rodent and any insect.


Mice will apparently get through a 6mm hole, so anything finer will do the job. It doesn't have to be stainless steel, but you won't want to use plastic mesh.

ljonski

can you put ground glass down as well?

red_imps_2003

Thank you all very much for your helpful responses. The plastic hood is, indeed, exactly like the one linked to in the first response (martinsurrey) so either of the wire netting or rodent mesh linked to should work. I must admit I hadn't thought about placing a sheet behind the vent rather than wrapping it around the end of it. That may be the most elegant solution but will depend on how the backing plate for the vent is mounted. I can certainly drill to fix either to the wall if need be.

Many thanks.