Old wall air vent , pest proofing... Can I block it? (Ed.)

[Jay79]

I have this old vent at the back of the house I've just moved into. It sits 14" from the ground.

With (old?) evidence of vermin in the house, specifically mice/perhaps rats in the attic, hot press etc, I am looking to get the place sealed up before winter. Does this vent pose an entry risk? I am looking for recommendations on covers that I can put over this. I understand the purpose of this vent and understand it cannot be sealed so I'm looking for some type of mesh cover I guess?

Thanks for any help

 

[Wayners]

Do you need the vent? Put in because of gas appliance or fire? Maybe not needed now

 

[foxhole]

What’s on the inside?

 

[Jay79]

I think the house was built around 1970 ish… behind the vent is the kitchen.

It is an end terrace and there are also 2 other similar vents on the side of the house about half way up…

No gas in the house (it has oil heating) and the chimney has been removed/decommissioned.

I had assumed the vent was required (prevent damp etc) with it being an older house. Forgive my ignorance as I’m clueless about DIY/building.

 

[ree]

OP,
Given your kitchen has a solid floor then, as suggested above, remove the vent/air brick outside and inside and brick the openings to match.
Its probable that the other two vents can also be bricked up.
But for any doubts then get the opinion of a gas safe?

 

[Jay79]

Thank you all

 

[JohnD]

years ago, building regulations used to require homes to have a ventilated cupboard for cool storage of food. Sometimes it would be a pantry, in smaller houses a built-in cupboard.

This was dropped when fridges became universal. I don't know what year it was.

 

[JohnD]

Is this air vent on an extension? It might be piped to ventilate a wooden floor inside the house.

 

[Jay79]

All sorted, mate came round and cemented over it. Thanks for all the help.