How to get rid of mice
Winter is a prime time for rodents to try and slip into warm and cosy homes. Here are the steps you need to take to ensure your home is mice free and the little critters don’t come back again.
1. Look for signs
If you see once mouse, it means that there is definitely more than one in your house as they multiply very quickly and like to stay together. Little mice poop pellets are a sign that there are rodents in your house but also look for boxes in your pantry that have been chewed.
2. Skip home remedies
Although it might be tempting to try natural home remedies, it is usually best to skip them. Cindy Mannes from the National Pest Management Association has said, "There's no science or evidence behind any of these methods. And again, mice are so used to living with humans, that smells associated with us are not usually repellent to mice."
3. Invest in store-bought traps
If you are happy to get rid of your mice problem no matter what the means, then store-bough mice traps can be effective. Cindy recommends putting on a little dab of peanut butter on each trap to attract mice. There are also mouse traps available that conceal the mouse after it is caught so you don’t have to look at it as you toss it out.
4. Find the entry point
Observe various locations in your house to see where they’re living and building nests. Once you’ve found those places you can set the traps up in the vicinity. Once you get rid of the mice, be sure to conceal any holes so that more rodents can’t enter. Even if a hole doesn’t seem like an issue, they will be able to gnaw their way to make the opening larger. "They can't eat through caulk and steel wool," said Cindy. "Pay really close attention to where pipes enter the house and along basement foundations. Be sure to replace weather stripping. And make sure you've screened the vents and the openings of your chimneys."
5. Know when to get professional help
Everyone has a different threshold of what they can put up with and what they are willing to do themselves. If it gets to the point where you need professional help, ask neighbours and friends for any recommendations. Before booking in your appointment, make sure you get an estimate of charge for a consultation.
It is also helpful to keep shrubbery and branches cut back away from the house as they make your home more accessible to mice and insects. You will also be less likely to attract mice if you keep the food in your pantry in airtight canisters.
What are your tips for getting rid of mice? Let us know in the comments below.