To prevent entry of rodents and insects, gaps along the building surfaces must be eliminated. Which surface is specifically cited for having no holes or gaps?

• A. Floors
• B. Walls
• C. Ceilings
• D. Doors

Answer: (B)

Eliminating entry routes for pests hinges on keeping the building envelope intact. Walls are the surface specifically cited as needing to be free of holes or gaps because they form the primary barrier between the outside and the interior. Cracks, gaps around pipes and wires, or damage to wall materials create direct pathways for rodents and insects to invade. By keeping walls continuous and sealing any openings, you remove the most common avenues pests use to get inside. Floors and ceilings can have gaps too, but the standard emphasis is on walls being hole- and gap-free. To achieve this, repair cracks, seal penetrations with appropriate materials, and ensure wall surfaces remain solid and intact. Doors and their seals also help prevent entry, but the wall itself is the surface that must be maintained without holes or gaps.