5 USEFUL TIPS – HOW TO KEEP MICE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE
As the cold weather approaches, you won’t be the only one looking to stay inside and bundle up. Mice will also be looking for somewhere warm to stay for the winter. Not only will they be looking for warmth, but also food. We don’t want your home to be a hotel for mice, so here are 5 tips on how to keep mice out of your home.
1.) Know the pest:
Not all mice are the same, so it’s good to know what type of mouse you may be dealing with. Deer mice are more prevalent in suburban areas and begin entering homes as the weather changes to cold. These mice tend to be more of a seasonal issue. House mice on the other hand infest structures year-round and are typically most active in the evening. If you see daytime activity, it’s usually a good indicator that there is a large population competing for food.
2.) Know the signs:
Some of the common signs that mice may be present in your home are:
- mouse droppings
- urine odors
- chew holes
- scurrying/scratching noises in the walls
- behavioral changes in pets
- damage to food & pet products
3.) Remove potential food & water sources:
Not only are mice looking for warmth, but more importantly they’re looking for a reliable food source. What do mice eat? Mice like to eat seeds, grains, and fruit but they will eat almost anything if they’re looking for a meal. You should make sure that you are always cleaning up any crumbs and leftovers after you’re done eating. Be sure that you are not leaving out any dirty dishes overnight and that all of your food inside your cupboards is properly sealed. You may also want to consider removing any bird feeders from your property if exterior populations of mice are present.
4.) Clear any potential nesting areas:
Mice will try to nest in dark secluded areas that are still relatively close to a food and water source. Their nests usual consists of fibrous materials like paper and carboard, which is why it is important to remove any carboard boxes from areas that may be susceptible to mice, like basements, crawlspaces, attics and storage areas. You’ll also want to remove any leaf litter piles from around your property.
5.) Seal potential entry points:
Mice can get into your home through a hole as small as a dime, so it is important to inspect the areas of your home that may be more vulnerable to these small entry points. All homes are different but some of the most common places that mice slip through are:
- cracks and crevices in home foundations
- gaps in window and door frames
- gaps along garage doors
- gaps between walls and ceilings
- holes in crawlspace screening
- gaps around pipes that enter the home from exterior A/C units
- gaps around drains and vents
Even with the best mouse traps, it can be difficult to eliminate an entire population of mice, so if you notice a mice infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to call us here at Viking Pest before it gets out of control. One of our technicians will come out and locate the source of your infestation. After finding the source, they will evaluate the situation and take the best course of action to prevent other mice from entering, while also eliminating the existing population inside. Providing you with the protection that you and your family deserve.
Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about our mice pest control and extermination services, or get a fast, free quote online today!
