Nobody likes the thought of a mice infestation, but the colder months are peak season for rodents to frequent our homes. Known as overwintering pests, they tend to creep inside through gaps, holes and crevices to seek warmth and food.
Trouble is, once pests find their way into your home, it can be difficult to get rid of them. What’s more, they can carry and spread a host of diseases which can affect your family's health, as well as cause potential damage to your property. That’s why it’s important to put preventative measures in place to help best deal with the pest problem.
But, as well as removing the things that attract rats and mice to your home, what items can you buy to prevent such pests this fall? Luckily, I asked pest control experts what is needed to stop mice in their tracks, and keep them far away. Here’s what they recommend to buy right now.
1. Mouse traps
Perhaps the most obvious item you can buy if mice are in your home are mouse traps. And there are various types, both lethal and non-lethal, that are approved by pest control experts.
Snap traps — Typically, snap traps work by using a quick-trigger mechanism that closes shut over a mouse’s head. The mice are attracted to the snap trap because it’s set with bait, like peanut butter, and placed in the areas mice will run over in their travels. In this way, the mouse is trapped instantly without having to needlessly suffer. But you will need to dispose of the dead mouse.
Self-resetting traps — These work much the same as a traditional snap trap, but are more sanitary to handle. “Self-resetting automatic traps are the number one way to go,” Blair Calder, Founder and President of Automatic Trap Company, says.
“They are safe, efficient, hands-off, protect kids and pets as well as the environment - and highly efficient. Best of all, instead of poison - they usually use a peanut butter and jelly scented lure that is long-lasting so you don't need to touch it often like you do a snap trap. The self-resetting trap is much more sanitary to humans.”
Live mouse traps — If you're squeamish, live mouse traps are a more popular option. "Trapping mice in a way that keeps them alive until you can release them back into the wild feels more humane to some homeowners," Daniel Baldwin, Board Certified Entomologist at Hawx Pest Control, says. "This is usually a small box with a door that shuts immediately once a mouse has entered, allowing homeowners to then release them without causing any harm."
2. Caulk or foam sealant
Another key preventative measure is to block all entry points into your home. You'll want to make it difficult for pests to creep in.
"Inspect all exterior walls, foundations, and vents to ensure they are sealed and in good condition," advises Baldwin. "Remember, mice can enter in the smallest of holes and gaps, so be sure to fill any cracks or holes you find with caulk or foam.
What's more, don’t forget to inspect and seal holes inside your garage structure: “Many people overlook the garage, where most people keep their trash bins,” adds Calder. “Mice love to hide out in the garage and wait for an opportunity to come into your home. While they wait, they can also do thousands of dollars of damage to your car engine where it is warm and they like to nest.”
3. Invest in airtight food jars
Considering that mice will come back if there is a constant supply of food, it’s essential that food is stored correctly to prevent rodents from getting access to it.
“Store food such as bread, pasta and rice in airtight containers and ensure that they’re placed in cupboards when they’re not in use,” warns Baldwin. “Use a trash can that has a tight-fitting lid that prevents them from breaking into any food waste that you’ve thrown out.”
Alongside keeping them away from tasty treats, remember to keep all surfaces clean, crumb-free and sanitized. “Aside from exclusion and trapping, the best thing you can do is practice proper storage and sanitation,” agrees Jacob Cohn. COO & Associate Certified Entomologist at Arrow Termite & Pest Control.
“Exclusion helps keep mice out and lets them know they won't find shelter here. The only thing left is to avoid giving them reasons to want in. Keep food sealed, crumbs and trash cleaned up, and keep attractive food sources away from them. If they can't find food or shelter in your home, they'll move on to the next spot.”
For more tips, check out these 5 foods that attract mice to your kitchen — tips from a pest expert.
4. Try peppermint oil
Alternatively, you can repel mice with scents. Strong essential oils such as peppermint are known to be overwhelming for such pests, and will keep them at bay.
“The use of peppermint oil in homes is likely to be a favored choice for those who are looking for a non-toxic, eco-friendly method of deterring pests such as rodents from the home," agrees Baldwin. "The scent of peppermint is strong and is often disliked by certain pests, which can deter them from living in areas where it’s present.
Homeowners can dilute a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to the areas where you have seen pests, such as behind cupboards and appliances or cracks within walls. While it won’t get rid of rodents completely, it can act as a temporary measure to deter them from entering your home.”
Of course, if you suspect mice in your home, peppermint alone won’t be effective, especially if you’re dealing with an infestation.
“If DIY methods and tips to prevent rodents aren't working for you, and you’re continuing to suffer with an infestation, then it might be time to call a professional pest control expert to find the root cause of the issue,” advises Baldwin. “A professional will be able to provide recommendations and the best course of action to remove them as quickly as possible.”
How do you know if you have mice?
If you’re uncertain of pest activity, these are the 7 telltale signs you have mice in your home. However, what if you haven’t yet seen a mouse or any warning signs of droppings?
“Homeowners might hear skittering when mice are on the move or faint gnawing noises coming from cluttered, dark, and hidden spaces, particularly during the night when they’re more likely to be active,” states Baldwin.
"If you’re still hearing this after trying to get rid of mice, then you may still have a problem. Another common sign your methods haven’t worked could be finding droppings or seeing tracks in certain areas of the home, such as cupboards, along walls, attics or draws, or the smell of urine each time you enter the space. You may come across possessions, boxes, furniture, walls or insulation that have visual signs that it’s been chewed or destroyed too.
"Lastly, mice often create nests from shredded paper, pieces of fabric or old plant material by piling them together. If you notice small piles like this around your home, and see that there are tracks or droppings close by, then it’s a sign that you still have a mouse infestation.”
If in doubt, always seek professional advice from a reputable pest control company.
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