Got little sounds in the walls or gnawed corners? Mice love hiding in cozy spots, but you can shut them out with a few practical moves. Below are clear actions you can start right now, no expert needed.
First thing – locate where they’re getting in. Check around doors, windows, and utility openings for gaps bigger than a quarter inch. Use steel wool or copper mesh to fill holes before spraying silicone sealant. Even tiny cracks around baseboards or pipe sleeves become highways for rodents, so give them a thorough once‑over.
Don’t forget the attic and crawl space. Roof vents should have fine mesh screens, and any vents for dryer exhaust need a tight fit. A quick sweep with a flashlight often reveals hidden gaps that are easy to fix.
Clean up food and water sources. Store dry goods in airtight containers, and wipe crumbs off counters every night. A bowl of pet food should be taken away when you’re not feeding them – mice can smell it from far away.
Keep garbage bins sealed and take out the trash regularly. Outdoor compost piles should be on a solid base and covered with a lid to avoid becoming a mouse buffet.
Furniture can help or hurt. Choose pieces with smooth, sealed surfaces instead of plush fabrics that trap crumbs. If you have a wooden coffee table, wipe it down often and consider a protective sealant on the underside where dust gathers.
Use simple traps in high‑traffic zones – like along walls, behind appliances, or near where you’ve seen droppings. Snap traps work fast; glue boards catch without chemicals. If you prefer a humane route, a catch‑and‑release trap lets you drop the mouse outside, far from your home.
Natural repellents add another layer. Peppermint oil on cotton balls placed near entry points can deter mice for a few days. A few drops in a spray bottle mixed with water works as a quick mist around cabinets.
Lastly, cut clutter. Boxes, piles of laundry, and stacked firewood give mice places to hide. Keep storage areas tidy, and elevate items off the floor when possible.
By sealing gaps, cleaning food sources, and using basic traps or repellents, you can make your home uninviting for mice. It’s not about buying expensive gear; it’s about consistent, simple steps that add up to a mouse‑free space. Start with one area today, and you’ll soon notice the difference.
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