Pest Prevention: Stop Putting Out The Welcome Mat For Mice

Blog

Mice are seeking what most pests look for this time of year: shelter, food, and safety from predators. Mice breed quickly, which is why you cannot delay pest control when it comes to mice. During chilly months, nesting mice multiply, and soon you will have a rodent infestation on your hands. Since mice want what's inside your home, make sure that you are not making it easy for them to come into your home. Are you putting out the welcome mat for mice? Consider these pest prevention tips.

Be Cautious of Cold Weather

Cold weather is when you are most likely to see mice in the home. They are looking for a place to stay warm, and they will gnaw on your home's wiring, insulation, and other materials to gain access and build nests. It is not uncommon for mice to come and go from the home, gathering food and water, but then retreat to outbuildings on your property, too.  

Cut Off the Water

If you want to drive away a mouse, or several mice, cut off their water supply. Every being needs water, and mice will look for leaky pipes, puddles, spills, and drips to find what they need. Wrap your pipes to prevent access and clean up spills and puddles when you see them.  

Secure and Stow Food

Mice are clever and they will get into bags or food, whether they have been opened or not. Put boxes and bags of food in tightly closed containers. Reorganize your pantry with this system. The foods that mice most like include cereals, grains, and fruit, but they will eat whatever is convenient! 

Tighten Things Up

If you leave gaps or cracks unfilled, mice will find their way inside. They are wiry and can wiggle their way into the smallest of crevices. Got cracks in your foundation? This is another popular entry point for mice; talk to a contractor about filling the gaps and tightening things up.  

Mice Rely on Smell

You likely have heard that mice don't see particularly well, which is why they tend to travel along the wall to navigate their way through a home. They do possess a keen sense of smell, however, which is how they find what they need to survive. Counter this with some essential oils that mice do not like and that will deter their activity, including tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oil. Put drops in the corners of the room, near windows, the door, and along the baseboards of your home.  

If you spot a mouse in your home, you already have a mouse problem. For more information on mouse pest control, contact a professional near you.

6 February 2023