Once mice find a way to enter your home – which could happen through only a tiny crack or hole in a wall, foundation or window screen, they are apt to make nests in unused corners of your home and they can exist on mere crumbs.
The key to mice control therefore, is preventing them from entering your home in the first place. This can be done by sealing possible entrances, keeping your home clutter free in places where nesting could occur, and removing their food sources.
Control mice by preventing them from entering
Doors: If you like to have your doors open during the summer months to let in the breeze, be sure to install screen doors to keep out unwanted pests.
Windows. Critters can enter a house through a window that’s open and unscreened. Even if the window is screened, inspect screens for holes big enough to provide entrance for a mouse. Use steel wool or hardware cloth, followed by caulking to fill any gaps around the window frame.
Concrete foundation: Cracks or fractures in your home’s concrete foundation, especially near windows and entryways could be used to enter. A good mice control strategy is to use sturdy repair materials such as sheet metal, hardware cloth or concrete mortar, and seal any holes you find that are bigger than 6.4mm.
Cable and drain outlets, vents and chimneys: Holes made for cables into the home should be caulked and sealed as should any other holes created for running pipes and drains. Use metal screening to prevent entry via vents and chimneys.
Cleaning
Clutter: Unused areas of the home are perfect to build a nest. Removing clutter will make your home less inviting for nesting. Clutter includes stored items, especially those in cardboard boxes, which they can chew through. Clothing and other stored items should be contained in plastic, sealed containers that cannot grant access. Old furniture that is not being used and piles of newspaper or magazines can be attractive for building a nest.
Floors and carpets: Crumbs, spills and even household dirt can be attractive. It’s important to disinfect floors and vacuum carpets often. Also, don’t neglect garage cleanings – they can enter the home from the garage and then find a way into the main living area. Best to keep the garage floor swept clean!
Limiting Sources of Food
Kitchen and pantry: The most likely source of food in your house is in the kitchen! Therefore, never store boxes of food on the floor. Make sure everything is kept on shelves or in cabinets. Grains, pastas, nuts and other dry goods should be stored in containers with tight lids.
Garbage: The smell of trash can attract, so use a trashcan that has a lid – and take out the garbage frequently.
Pet food: Cat and dog food can also be inviting, if left sitting out for extended periods of time.
Natural sources of food: Control mice by preventing them in discovering good things to eat outside, such as: nuts and berries that have dropped from trees, birdseed or grass seed in storage. Make sure to keep possible food sources stored away and cleaned up promptly. When food sources are scarce they will look elsewhere.
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