We had a colder winter than usual, and that means mice scurried inside looking for shelter. It doesn’t even have to get close to freezing to encourage this. If a mouse waits that long, it’s already facing an uphill battle. This is why mice prepare, and seek shelter they can use throughout the winter. This makes mouse prevention and mouse control crucial. Even as the temperatures warm back up, the mice won’t necessarily leave a new, cozy environment.
The best way to keep mice out is to make sure that the environment they’re entering – your home – isn’t an appealing environment for them. They’re looking for ease of access, food, water, and warmth.
Mouse Prevention
Ease of Access: This means how mice get in. Seal gaps in the foundation, make sure there isn’t a gap under your door, make sure screens are whole, and that entry points for pipes are properly sealed.
Food & Water: Clean up food prep, even crumbs. This is an easy habit to develop because it can be done quickly. Places where water collects should be dried and dehumidified. Limiting access to food and water is the single best way to keep mice out.
Mouse Control
Their Habitat: Mice will often nest inside walls. This allows them to stay out of sight and only come out when no one’s around. It also gives them access to multiple rooms and levels in a home. If you see a mouse, chances are it’s because they’re growing bold. They only do this when they have to search extra for food – which means that you may already have an infestation.
Your Habits: Changing some habits can deny mice access to what they want. We already mentioned limiting access to food and water. This includes trash. Take trash out regularly and consider using covered garbage cans in your home. If you feed pets, consider feeding them at regular times of the day rather than leaving their food out indefinitely. When you’re not looking, mice dart in and steal food.
Mouse Removal
Traps: These can be useful for mouse removal, but can be ineffective if you don’t know how the mice are behaving. Humane traps are available and recommended. These allow the mice to be moved safely. Classic mouse traps are effective, but will kill the mouse. We advise against sticky traps. These are inhumane and can cause mice pain. This won’t discourage other mice.
Pest Control: Often, the best option is a pest control company like Slug-A-Bug. Mice are not usually alone, and you can take care of one or two without getting them all. We understand mice behavior, can identify the routes and access points they’re using, and can remove them all with efficiency. We can also identify how they’re getting in and solve the problem going forward, not just today.
Contact Slug-A-Bug today for all of your mouse prevention and rodent control issues.