Mice and other rodents can cause a lot of destruction if they gain access to a home. Mice are more likely to make an appearance during the spring and summer but can be active during any season. For example, during the winter mice are often looking for a warm place to sleep. If you are experiencing a mouse infestation, hiring a professional rodent removal service may be something to consider.
Some signs that you have a mouse infestation include hearing rustling sounds in the walls or attic, seeing evidence of fur and droppings, and noticing food that has been tampered with. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help prevent a rodent infestation in the first place. Here are three ways you can keep mice out of your home.
1. Clear Away Sources of Food and Water
Mice often enter houses looking for food and water, so removing their availability will help prevent rodents from entering your home. While all types of foods are a culprit for attracting mice, they are especially fond of fruits, nuts, grains, meat, and pet food. While mice are stereotypically enthralled with cheese, the truth is that they are much more likely to go for some peanut butter or dry dog food. Try to remember to:- Keep indoor and outdoor trash canisters covered
- Clean liquids, crumbs, and other food scraps off of countertops and floors
- Store food, including pet food, in tightly sealed containers
- Get rid of standing water in outdoor areas around the house
2. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Rodents like mice take advantage of easy entry opportunities, such as cracks and crevices in a house's foundation, walls, and roof. Mice can fit through surprisingly small openings, typically around the size of a dime. Some things that you or a pest control specialist can do to keep rodents out of your house include:- Repairing windows and doors that do not close all the way or that have gaps in them
- Filling in holes in the walls, foundation, and roof of your home, including walls in the garage, basement, and attic
- Sealing off the chimney and sweeping the fireplace and neighbouring areas for nests and other signs of mice
- Checking vents, drains, and pipes for openings and fixing holes that might permit the entry of mice and other pests