How To Keep Mice Away | Prevention Techniques

Eliminate Entry Points to Home or Business Premises

One of the most effective ways to keep mice away from your home or business premises is to eliminate their entry points. These small rodents can squeeze through even the tiniest of openings, so it's essential to seal up any potential entryways.

First, inspect the exterior of your building for any cracks or holes in the foundation, siding, and doorways. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal these openings, making sure to fill in all gaps and crevices. This will prevent mice from finding a way inside.

For larger gaps or openings, such as around pipes or vents, use a combination of duct tape and steel wool. The duct tape helps to hold the steel wool in place, providing an extra layer of protection against mice. Ensure that all entry points are covered and blocked to deny mice access.

Clean Up Food Sources and Garbage Regularly

Regularly cleaning up food sources and garbage is crucial in preventing mice infestations in your home or business premises. Mice are attracted to the scent of food and garbage, and even the smallest crumbs can be enticing to them.

To effectively keep mice away, it is essential to store all food in glass or metal containers. These containers are more secure and less likely to be invaded by mice. By transferring food from its original packaging into airtight containers, you eliminate potential food sources for mice.

Additionally, it is important to remove any potential food sources by sealing them in tamper-proof bins. Garbage should always be stored in bins with lids that cannot be easily opened by mice. This prevents them from accessing food scraps and creating a feeding ground near your property.

Promptly cleaning up spills and messes is another important practice. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and vacuum regularly to eliminate any traces of food that could attract mice. It is crucial to pay attention to hard-to-reach areas like cracks and crevices where food crumbs may accumulate.

By regularly cleaning up food sources and garbage, and storing food in glass or metal containers, you create an environment that is less appealing to mice. This helps to prevent infestations and protect your home or business from pests.

Store Food in Airtight Containers

To properly store food in airtight containers and prevent mice from accessing it, follow these steps:

• Transfer Food: Take food out of its original packaging, and place it in airtight containers. This includes dry goods, such as cereal, flour, and rice, as well as perishable items like leftovers and produce. By doing this, you remove potential food sources that could attract mice.
• Choose the Right Containers: Use plastic or metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Mice can easily chew through lightweight plastic containers, so opt for heavier plastic or metal to prevent them from accessing the food. Glass containers are also a great option as mice cannot gnaw through them.
• Keep Storage Areas Clean: Clean food storage areas regularly to eliminate any food residue that could entice mice. Wipe down shelves and countertops, paying close attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas where food crumbs may accumulate. Vacuum or sweep the floor to ensure there are no spillages or crumbs.

By storing food in airtight containers made of plastic, metal, or glass and maintaining a clean storage area, you significantly reduce the risk of a mouse infestation. Keeping food inaccessible and removing potential food sources is crucial in deterring mice from your home.

Keep Your Home or Business Area Clean and Tidy

Keeping your home or business area clean and tidy is essential in preventing mice infestation. Follow these specific steps to ensure a mice-free environment:

• Regular House Cleaning: Regularly clean your house or business area to maintain cleanliness and eliminate potential food sources for mice. Vacuum or sweep floors to remove food crumbs that might attract them. Mop floors with a disinfectant to ensure any remaining food residue is thoroughly cleaned.
• Pay Attention to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Mice can find hiding spots in corners and hard-to-reach areas. Clean these areas diligently, using a damp cloth or mop to reach every nook and cranny. This will help remove any lingering food debris that could attract mice.
• Store Firewood Properly: If you have firewood, it's important to store it away from the house. Keep it elevated and at least 18 inches off the ground. This prevents mice from using it as both a food source and a potential nesting area.
• Trim Shrubs and Trees: Mice are skilled climbers, and overgrown shrubs and trees can provide them with easy access to your home or business area. Trim back shrubs and branches to eliminate potential entry points and prevent them from reaching the building.

Regular house cleaning, including mopping and cleaning floors to remove food crumbs, plays a significant role in mice prevention. Additionally, storing firewood away from the house and trimming shrubs and trees reduces the likelihood of a mouse infestation. By following these steps, you can maintain a clean and tidy environment, minimizing the risk of mice invading your space.

Use Natural Repellents

Natural repellents can be an effective and non-toxic way to keep mice away from your home or business area. Here are some options you can try:

• Apple Cider and Water Mixture: Create a solution by mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Spray this mixture around areas where mice are known to frequent. The strong smell acts as a deterrent and keeps them away.
• Fabric Softener Sheets: Place fabric softener sheets in areas where mice are seen or suspected. The strong scent repels them and makes your space less inviting for them to settle in.
• Hot Pepper Solution: Create a solution by mixing hot peppers or hot pepper flakes with water. Spray it around entrances, cracks, and holes where mice can enter. The intense heat and strong aroma of this mixture will deter mice from coming near.
• Botanical Repellents: Use natural botanical repellents like Stay Away® Rodent repellents, which contain essential oils that mice find unpleasant. These repellents come in the form of pouches or sprays and can be placed in areas where mice are active.
• Peppermint Oil, Cayenne Pepper, and Cloves: These strong-smelling substances can also be used as natural mouse repellents. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where mice are seen. Sprinkle cayenne pepper or cloves in corners, around baseboards, and near entry points to discourage them.
• Kitty Litter and Ammonia: Placing used kitty litter, which contains the smell of cat urine, near potential entry points can deter mice. Ammonia also has a strong smell that mice dislike. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in strategic locations.

By using these natural repellents, you can create an unwelcome environment for mice, keeping them away from your space without relying on harmful chemicals or poisons. For more invasive infestations, please call a rodent control expert.