Did you know that around 200 human pathogens are carried by an average mouse? They can spread a lot of diseases and we all want to avoid these harmful pathogens.
Mice are incredibly small and are able to squeeze in incredibly small spaces. They’re attracted to what you leave out and quickly use your home as a new home.
They can make a mess of your food cupboards, cause some serious illness, and damage your home. There are a number of ways you can keep them out of your house and keep it safer.
Here’s a guide to how to prevent mice in the home.
Contents
How to Prevent Mice in the Home 101: Get a Cat
A cat is a natural way to keep mice out of your home. Mice are afraid of cats and will stay away from areas where they sense a cat’s presence. It can be an effective mouse deterrent even if it doesn’t directly interact with the rodents.
Simply having a cat in the house will make mice think twice about setting up camp. Plus, they make great pets and are much better than using toxic chemicals to try to keep mice away. Be sure to get a cat that is friendly and good with people, as some cats can be aggressive.
Inspect the Outside of Your Home for Any Cracks or Holes
In late autumn, as the weather begins to cool and the days grow shorter, mice start looking for a warm place to spend the winter. Your home may look like a cozy place for them to set up camp.
To prevent mice from taking over your home, do a little preventative maintenance. Inspect the outside of your home for any cracks or holes. Mice can squeeze through tiny spaces, so even a small gap can be an open door for them. If you find an opening, seal it up with steel wool or caulk.
Keep Your Yard Clean and Free of Debris
One of the best ways to keep mice from entering your home is to keep your yard clean and free of debris. Mice are attracted to cluttered areas where they can hide and build nests.
By keeping your yard clean and tidy, you will make it less inviting to these pests. Be sure to remove any piles of leaves, wood, or other organic materials from your property. Keep your grass trimmed and maintain a well-graveled path to your door to discourage mice from setting up shop on your property.
Store Food in Airtight Containers and Keep It off the Floor
Mice are attracted to food sources. By keeping food in containers and off the floor, you can deter them from entering your home in the first place. Once they do get in, they will be less likely to find food and will eventually starve. This method is not foolproof, but it is one of the best ways to deter mice.
Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an effective, natural way to keep mice away. The strong scent of peppermint is offensive to mice, so they will avoid areas that are treated with the oil.
To use peppermint oil to prevent mice in your home, simply apply the oil to areas where you have seen mice or where they are likely to enter your home. Reapply the oil as needed to keep mice away.
Use Mouse Traps
There are several types of mouse traps available on the market. Traditional mouse traps are the most common, and they work by luring the mouse into a trap with bait, then snapping shut when the mouse steps on the trigger. Other types of mouse traps include glue traps, which work by luring the mouse onto a sticky surface, and live traps, which capture the mouse alive so you can release it elsewhere.
To use a mouse trap, first determine where the mice are active. Mice like to travel along walls, so mouse traps should be placed along these routes. Once you’ve determined where to place the traps, baited them with a small amount of food, such as peanut butter or cheese. Check the traps regularly and dispose of any captured mice.
Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
One of the best ways to prevent mice in the home is to keep your home clean and clutter-free. Mice are attracted to cluttered areas because it provides them with hiding places and nesting materials.
In addition to decluttering, be sure to keep your home clean by sweeping and mopping regularly, and vacuuming often. These simple steps will make your home less inviting to mice, and help keep them out.
Use Poison Baits
If you are dealing with a mouse problem in your home, poison baits can be an effective solution. However, it is important to use these baits under the guidance of a pest control professional. Improper use of poison baits can be dangerous to both humans and pets.
Hiring pest control services can help you to choose the right bait and place it in the most effective location. They are experts in pest control methods. They can also provide guidance on how to safely dispose of any dead mice.
Use Ultrasonic Devices
If you are looking to prevent mice in your home, one option is to use ultrasonic devices. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are off-putting to mice and other rodents. While they are safe for humans and pets, rodents will stay away from areas where they are used.
They are effective at keeping mice out of homes and can provide long-term protection. They are a great way to keep mice out of the home without the use of harmful chemicals or traps.
Keep Your Home Mouse-Free
After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of how to prevent mice in the home. Some key takeaways are to keep your home clean, store food properly, and seal up any openings that mice could use to enter your home.
Finally, consider setting up mouse traps or hiring a professional pest control company to help you keep your home mouse-free. By following these tips, you can help keep your home mouse-free.
For more home advice, check out our other articles. We share useful information on a variety of topics.