8 Ways To Keep Mice and Rats Out of Your Home
Mice and rats are the banes of anyone who keeps food in their kitchen or garage or has lots of organic matter to attract them around their home. It’s easy to understand why these pests are so problematic: they’re small, can squeeze through tiny spaces, and are excellent at hiding from you when you’re trying to find them. Fortunately, there are ways to permanently keep mice and rats out of your home.
1) Seal Up Holes
Mice and rats can enter your home through some pretty small holes. To prevent them from getting in, you’ll need to do regular maintenance around your home and ensure there are no cracks or holes for them to squeeze through. Inspect the exterior of your home regularly and seal up any cracks or holes you find with caulk or steel wool.
2) Clean Up after Guests
If you have guests over, clean up any food that may have been dropped on the floor. Sweep and mop regularly, and don’t forget to vacuum those hard-to-reach places. Mice and rats are attracted to food, so the less they can find, the better.
3) Invest in a Critter Repellent
Mice and rats are looking for food, water, and shelter when they enter your home. Critter repellents can help prevent them from getting inside by uninviting your home. There are a variety of repellents available, so find one that works best for you. Some popular options include ultrasonic devices, motion-activated sprinklers, and chemical sprays.
4) Understand Mice’s Behaviors
Mice are attracted to food, water, and shelter. They can squeeze through tiny openings the size of a dime, which means they can quickly enter your home through cracks and crevices. Unfortunately, mice are also good jumpers and swimmers, so they can access your home from many different entry points. To keep mice out of your home, you must eliminate their food, water, and shelter sources.
5) Thoroughly Clean Up Kitchen Spills
It’s essential to keep your kitchen clean, not just for hygiene but also to prevent attracting mice and rats. Any food left out, even crumbs, can attract these pests. So be sure to wipe up any spills immediately. You should also sweep and mop your floors regularly.
6) Store Food Away from Entry Points
One way to keep mice and rats away from your home is by storing food away from entry points. This includes keeping food in airtight containers and off the floor. You should also avoid leaving food out overnight, which can attract rodents. If you have pets, make sure their food is stored correctly.
7) Use Non-toxic Methods When Possible
Using natural repellents like mint, onions, or cayenne pepper can be just as effective as chemical repellents and won’t risk your family. In addition, there are rodent-proofing materials you can purchase for under $20 that will make it difficult for mice to enter your home through tiny holes.
8) Ask Professionals for Help
If you think you have a mouse or rat problem, the best thing to do is call a professional. At Home Run Pest & Termite Control, we have the experience and knowledge to help get rid of your pests quickly and efficiently. We also offer preventative services to help keep them from coming back.
Contact us for more information about how we can help you with your rodent infestation. For additional advice on mouse prevention, visit our website and follow us on Twitter.
