Three Ways To Prevent Mice Infestations
Mice are one of the most common types of pests that can take up residence within your home, and are particularly dangerous since they can carry diseases on their fur and cause damage to your wiring and wooden structures. Fortunately, there are a few different things that you can do to make it harder for mice to find their way into your home and reduce the risk that you will suffer from an infestation at any point in the future.
Close Openings
The easiest thing that you can do to ensure that mice can't find their way into your home is to seal off any potential entranceways. You can do this by making sure that all of your windows and doors are closed when you are not home, or if you do, that you have a solid screen door in place that will still allow airflow while blocking potential pathways for mice and other pests. In a similar vein, you should also inspect the weatherstripping around the edges and bottoms of your doors and windows is undamaged. If it is broken or has gaps, you can simply remove it with a putty knife and install strips of self-adhesive weatherstripping to keep mice out of your home.
Cover Food
Another important thing that you can do to avoid attracting mice into your home is to make sure that any food in your kitchen or living room is not left out overnight. This means that you should package all leftovers in locking, tight containers, and keep them in the fridge if possible. You should also never leave pet food out, as it can also attract mice and other pests. In a somewhat similar vein, you should also clean dishes that may have food residue on them, since even a small amount of food left out in the open air can attract a family of mice.
Apply Deterrents
Finally, you may want to apply deterrents around the exterior of your home and along potential entranceways, like door and window frames, to discourage any mice passing by from attempting to gain entry to your house. Commercial deterrents are available at most hardware stores, but for an all-natural option, peppermint oil or chili powder both work effectively as well. Keep in mind that you will have to continue to apply these deterrents over time, since they will wash away with rain and weather exposure over time.
For professional help, contact a local home pest control service.
