We moved into our current house in late 2015. At the time, since the house was not lived in for 2 years, there was a mouse problem. We had an exterminator at the time who sealed up all of the visible holes he could. After that contract expired, we went with another exterminator who suggested external bait traps. It has reduced the problem, but not elimiated it (some say impossible) I went outside today and noticed a dead mouse half way lodged underneath the vinyl siding (see attached picture) If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. Here is my question. Must the bottom of the last row of vinyl shingles be left alone to allow any water to drain or could I seal the gap with caulk?

I'm in a new construction home. Siding is that composite cement stuff (Hardie Board is what it is called, I believe). A few of the panels have a couple small screw-sized holes in them that I'd like to patch and paint. What's the best way to do that? A good exterior spackle, or is there some sort of cement-based patch I should use instead?