New house brick groute question.

[yellowcat]

We had this house built about a year and a half ago. There are places where they did not grout the brick joints. What is the reason why they do this? I ask because I am thinking of filling them in because we have ants in almost every room of the house. We only eat at the dining room table and I have seen ants crawling in and out of theses gaps. Is it ok to fill these in with clear caulk?

[dfabilene]

Allows any water/moisture that gets in there to weep out.

[hank57]

i think they are drain holes . all the house I've lived in have them.

[T/Chmr]

Yep, weep holes. You could put some screen or steel wool over them to keep the critters out and still allow airflow

[Sofee]

Agree,weep holes for water.

[Cabela]

Weep holes. I wouldn't recommend grouting them in. It allows your exterior walls to breathe with the soffit you have ventilated. It will also allow water out in case of a major leak. Hire an exterminator instead.

[yellowcat]

Thanks. I will get some steel wool at wally world.

[El suave]

weep holes

[blntrey3]

DO NOT Caulk....spray em with insecticide etc. I would not put anything that would slow water/ air movement.

[Traildust]

Pest control....nothing, steel wool, caulk or anything will keep ants out.
Spray pesticide!

Steel wool will rust away...leaving a mesh

[Dale Moser]

They make little screen inserts you can put in them. DO NOT seal them up! You need air circulation behind the brick for several reasons.

[cdr2010]

Get some Demon WP from your local chemical store. Best pesticide on the market IMO. costs about $25 for a year supply, using quarterly. Safe to use inside, just follow directions.