5 Ways to Keep Mice Out this Winter

Mice are a common problem during the winter. They nest outdoors while it is warm, then, when it gets cold, they sneak their way into the house. While they are small, mice are dirty animals that leave feces everywhere and cause damage to the home. So, they are best avoided. 

If you have been seeing the signs of an infestation, reach out to Pest Control Brampton or near you. A technician can tell you where the mice are coming from and put a stop to them. 

Want to avoid an infestation? A little pest-proofing can go a long way. Here’s how you can prevent a mouse problem this winter. 

  1. Seal off windows and doors 

Believe it or not, lots of mouse problems begin by leaving the door open. Mice will take advantage of open doors to get inside, where it is warm. Use a screen door, instead, and make sure that there are no gaps underneath your doors.

Any gap that is a quarter of an inch wide or wider will fit a mouse. Put some weather stripping to the bottoms of your doors to keep mice from crawling in. 

Window frames may also crack with age and create openings that could fit mice. Seal these with caulking or wood epoxy. Then, make sure that you window screens are intact.

We filled the area behind our door trim with expanding foam to stop them from getting in through our door frame.

  1. Keep food out of reach 

Mice are especially attracted to homes where they can find food. Put all your dry foods, like pasta, flour, and sugar, in sealed containers. The pantry should be kept as neat as possible to reduce the smell of food and make it out of reach. 

Take the garbage out regularly and don’t leave any dirty dishes out. Remember that mice will eat anything. Vacuum every week to get rid of crumbs. A good deep clean at the start of the season will make regular cleanup easier. 

  1. Plug holes and cover vents 

Grab a flashlight and inspect the sides of your home for cracks and openings that could fit a mouse. Check the brickwork and the siding closely, and don’t forget to look under the deck. Check cables, plumbing, and in behind the air conditioner.

Make all the repairs you can. You can seal cracks in the foundation with epoxy, then use caulking to seal other damages. Stuff larger holes with steel wool or cover them with mesh. 

Some openings that are often overlooked are the wall vents and weep holes on the sides of the home. These are necessary for airflow, but mice and other rodents can chew through them. Find a quarter-inch, 16-gauge, galvanized steel mesh from the hardware store and use it to cover your vents. Then, plug weep holes with stainless steel grilles. 

  1.  Tidy up the yard 

Mice come from outside, so you can help keep them out by making your yard a little less attractive. First, create some space by moving firewood and patio furniture away from the walls of the home.

Trim shrubs and vines so there is nowhere for a mouse to hide near the house. Mow the lawn on a regular basis, pull weeds, and rake the leaves. Pick up fruit when they fall and move the bird feeder, so it is far away from the house. 

  1. Use deterrents 

Mice dislike the smell of peppermint. Try mixing a few 3-5 drops of peppermint essential oil with a cup of water and a drop of dish soap, then spray the mixture around your windows and doors. You can also plant some mint in the yard to deter mice. This is great for spiders as well.

Finally, you can use ultrasonic mouse deterrents from the hardware store, which emit sounds that we can’t hear but that are irritating to mice. Place one or two of these near the doors to your house.

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