Stopping Mice From Invading Your Home

Winter should be a wonderful time. A time to spend with family and friends, enjoying holidays, food, and the company of each other. The last thing we want is for this to be interrupted by uninvited guests. We aren’t speaking about that one weird uncle; we are talking about the pests who have decided to take shelter in your home this Winter season. We are speaking about mice, and how you can prevent them from getting into your home.

The Dangers Mice Bring

Mice may seem cute to some, but the bottom line is that they can carry a multitude of diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella. Hantavirus is life-threatening and can be spread through a mouse’s urine or feces. While this disease is spread mostly through deer mice, for those living near a rural environment, the threat is still high. Salmonella is a bacterial food-borne illness and is a high health hazard for children or the elderly.

Before we learn how to keep these critters out, let us go over the steps of making sure mice have not already created a breach into our home. You may have a possible mice infestation in your house. Mice tend to be more active during the night, so pay close attention to the noises you hear.

Possible signs of an infestation:

• scratching
• gnawing
• running
• rustling noises

If you hear any of the above-mentioned sounds, especially during the night, your house may have a mice problem.

However, a silent night does not mean you have a clean bill of health either.

Be on the lookout for:

• droppings (that look like chocolate sprinkles),
• nests made of shredded paper,
• mouse hallways and burrows in your insulation,
• chew marks on items like boxes, plastic containers, clothing or wooden spoons.

In the case of a massive infestation:

• Be on the lookout for areas that appear stained in urine or smell like urine.

These are all possible signs of an infestation, and it is wise to seek professional help in the removal process. Consider calling Accurate Pest Control. We are certified professionals in the field and will ensure you are back to normal life, pest-free!

Going on the Defensive

Now that we know the signs and hazards of these pests let’s talk about setting up your defenses.

• The first step is to close any entry points.
• Check your home for damages and openings
  • including loose siding, gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundation and holes around dryer vents. Seal any opening larger than one-quarter inch.
• Make daily checks to make sure your kitchen is clean.
  • While this will not keep mice away, a dirty kitchen will open the floodgates. Make sure your kitchen has no food on the floor, counter, or in sink traps.
• Ensure you keep dried foods (pet food) in seal containers made of materials that mice cannot chew through, such as metal or glass.
• One often-overlooked method of defense is landscaping.
  • Mice will often cross tree limbs and enter your home through the attic or eaves. It is also wise to keep the garden trimmed so if new entryways are being made, you can spot them before trouble occurs.
• Remove any clutter around the house.
  • Remove potential shelters such as piles of wood, bricks, or stones far from the foundations of your home. This will discourage pests from setting up a base right outside your home.

Now equipped with the knowledge and tactics for a strong defensive, act! Make your house ready for the winter so that you and your family can enjoy the winter rodent free! If you feel nervous about addressing this situation alone, or have any questions on how to better prepare yourself, give us a call! We will take care of your pest issue professionally, where your safety and the removal of the pests are our number one concerns!

If you want to figure out more about Accurate Pest Control, visit our About Us page!