In the entertainment world, mice are seen as cute and cuddly creatures. That’s not the case when these rodents are running around your house.
Mice and rats aren’t as nice as they may seem. In fact, they are actually quite dangerous. Their teeth can gnaw through electrical wires, insulation, and wood, damaging your home. They can also contaminate your home with their urine, feces, and dander as well as spread disease.
Once mice infiltrate your home, it can be difficult to get rid of them. Therefore, your best course of action is to keep mice out altogether. Rodents will be looking for places to nest and rest once the weather cools down, so you need to be prepared. Here are some tips to keep mice out of your home this fall.
Block Entry Points
This is the most effective way to keep mice out of your home. If you block all the entry points, then they can’t get in. Keep in mind that mice can enter your home through gaps as small as ¼ inch in diameter. Look around doors and window sills for any gaps that may allow mice to enter. Use caulking for smaller gaps and steel wool for larger holes. Don’t use spray foam, as mice can chew through it.
Keep Your Home Clean
Mice love messes and clutter, so make it a point to clean floors and countertops regularly. If you spill a drink or have crumbs from food on the floor, make it a point to clean it up as soon as possible. It might be a good idea to have a floor sweeper handy for quick cleanup.
Take Out the Trash
Speaking of keeping things clean, don’t let garbage overflow in your home. Take out the trash daily and make sure outdoor trash bins have a lid on them. Otherwise mice will find their way in and help themselves to a smorgasbord. Keep garbage cans as far away from your home as possible.
Seal Up Dry Pet Food
The bags that pet food originally comes in are no match for rodents. Mice can easily get in these bags and have a feast. If you want to keep mice out, you’ll need to transfer this food to a sealed container. You can easily find storage containers at your pet store or big box retailer.
Move (or Remove) Bird Feeders
Feeding birds can be a fun hobby, but it’s also one that attracts rodents. Nuts and seeds are yummy foods to mice, which means they will scurry near your home in order to access them. Your best bet is to remove bird feeders from your yard altogether. If you don’t want to, at least move the bird feeder as far away from your home as possible.
Contact Us Today
Mice can cause a lot of damage to a home. They can also carry serious illnesses that can harm everyone in a household.
The professionals at Environmental Pest Control can easily remove mice and other rodents from your home or business. Our highly trained technicians have the experience to address your pest issues. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at (540) 441-7397. We serve the Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia areas.
