When temperatures drop, mice look for warm places to nest. If you aren't proactive, your home can quickly become the perfect shelter for these unwanted guests. A mouse infestation causes damage to your property and poses a health risk to your family. Fortunately, there are simple, effective steps you can take to keep mice out and ensure a mouse-free winter.
Follow these top five tips to protect your home, and remember, Mike's Pest and Termite Control is always here to help with professional solutions.
1. Seal Entry Points
Mice are incredibly skilled at squeezing through tiny spaces, often as small as a dime. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and other potential entry points to keep them out. Pay close attention to areas around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Use steel wool or caulk to seal small gaps and weather stripping to cover any openings around doors and windows. Another smart step is installing door sweeps on exterior doors to eliminate gaps. Blocking their access is the first critical defense against a potential infestation.
2. Store Food Properly
One of the main attractions for mice is easy access to food. To remove this temptation, store all food in airtight containers made of glass or plastic, and avoid leaving any items like bread or fruit on countertops. Ensure pet food is securely stored, as mice are happy to raid pet bowls. It’s also important to immediately clean up crumbs and spills and take out the trash regularly. The less accessible your food is, the less likely that mice will feel welcome in your home.
3. Maintain a Clean Home
Clutter and mess can create the perfect habitat for mice to hide and build their nests. Keep your home tidy by vacuuming regularly, especially in hidden areas such as under furniture and along baseboards. Store items off the floor in bins or cabinets to minimize potential nesting spots. Pay special attention to garages, attics, and basements, where mice often reside. Keeping your home clean doesn’t just make it look better—it significantly reduces the chances of an infestation.
4. Remove Outdoor Attractions
Preventing mice from entering your home begins with managing the areas around it. Start by storing firewood at least 20 feet from the house, as wood piles offer shelter for mice. Trim back any tree branches or shrubs touching your house, which could act as a bridge for rodents to access your home. Keep outdoor trash cans tightly sealed and regularly clear your yard of any fallen leaves, debris, or clutter where mice might take shelter.
5. Schedule Regular Inspections
Even if you follow every preventive measure, professional pest control inspections provide an extra layer of security. At Mike's Pest and Termite Control, our experienced technicians can identify vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed, such as hidden entry points or signs of early infestation. By scheduling a professional inspection, you'll get peace of mind knowing your home is thoroughly protected. Plus, we can offer tailored solutions to keep mice away year-round.
Call Mike's Pest and Termite Control for Help
If you suspect a mice problem in your home or want additional precautions this winter, Mike's Pest and Termite Control is here to help. Our team specializes in prevention and extermination to ensure your home stays mouse-free. Don’t wait for a small problem to grow into a larger issue—contact us today for expert advice and reliable pest control services.
Protect your home this winter with help from trusted experts. Contact us for a free consultation and take the first step toward a safer home!