Mice can be a nuisance in the home, causing destruction and spreading disease. That’s because mice are able to enter your home through very small openings, no matter how tiny you think they are. They are quite small in size and can squeeze through cracks and holes that are up to 1/4 inch wide. Mice can also climb up pipes and wires to get into your home. If you have a pet door, they can easily use it to get into your home in search for food, water and warmth. There are ways to prevent them from entering your house and this article will outline some of them.
Seal off the entry points
The best way to prevent mice from entering your home is by sealing off the entry points. You can do this by using caulk, expandable foam, cement or metal sheeting to fill in any cracks or gaps in your exterior walls and doors. Make sure to also check the seals around your windows, door frames and chimney. If you have an attic, make sure to install a screened vent to keep rodents out. Finally, trim back any branches or bushes that are near your home, as they can be used as a bridge to get into your house.
Reduce the amount of food items you let in their reach
If you spot mice around your house, it is also important to reduce the amount of food items you let in their reach. This means keeping all food items in airtight containers or sealed bags. They like food that contain high levels of protein, which makes them especially attracted to cheese, eggs and meats. It’s also important to clean any spilled food right away. If you have a lot of open space on your shelves, consider using metal or plastic shelving units that have tight-fitting covers.
Keep your house clean
Once inside, mice can quickly multiply and before long you may find yourself with a full-blown infestation on your hands. Since mice like to live in dark, warm places, make it difficult for them to find a place to live by getting rid of clutter and keeping your house clean and tidy. Mice are also sensitive to smells so they’re especially drawn to dirty unwashed dishes. During a study, researchers placed bowls of food in different parts of a room and monitored the movement of mice. They found that the mice were more likely to go to bowls that were dirty than those that were clean. This explains why mice are so successful at invading homes.
Use repellents to keep mice away
One of the most common repellents is peppermint oil. You can buy it in a spray form, or you can make your own by mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Another option is to put peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them around your home.
Other repellents that may work include essential oils such as lavender, lemon, and thyme; vinegar; and ammonia. You can try using one or more of these options to see which works best for you.
Buy a cat
Pets not only provide a sense of companionship in our lives but can also be great for controlling pests in our homes. Mice are one such pest that can be controlled by having a cat in the house. Cats are natural predators of mice and will kill them when they have the opportunity. This can help to keep the population of mice under control and reduce the chances of them getting into food or nesting in your home. If you are looking for a way to help control mice in your home, consider buying a cat. If the cat is not willing to catch the mice, at least mice will smell the cat’s urine, and become alert to its presence on your property.
An alternative to buying a cat is buying cat urine from stores that specialize in selling predator urine. This can be an effective way to control mice in your home. The downside is that the smell can be very strong, so it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated area. It’s also important to keep it away from children and other pets.
Conclusion
Mice know the difference between a safe and unsafe space. And while they are very adaptable and can survive in almost any environment, if your house proves to be far from hospitable, they will explore other places in search for food and shelter. No one enjoys dealing with mice so following the above mentioned tips will help you prevent them from entering your house.
