As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, little furry creatures such as mice look to your home for sanctuary and warmth to help them survive the cold months ahead. However, there are a few easy steps you can take right now that, along with a little professional help, will go a long way in keeping mice out of your home all winter long.
First, close the door on any uninvited guests by sealing up cracks, holes, or other access points that mice could fit through. Keep in mind that mice can squeeze through any hole that their head can fit through, which can be as small as a dime (see picture below).
When winter arrives with its cold temperatures and harsh winds, you probably think your home looks extra cozy. Unfortunately, mice do too! That’s why you need to know how to get rid of mice, even in winter.
Fortunately, taking a few steps now (along with a little professional help when necessary) can go a long way to keep mice out of your home.
Today, the experts at ScherZinger Pest Control are giving you our top tips to get rid of mice—and keep them out—this winter.
Keeping Mice Out
When it comes to rodents, mice are especially good at finding ways to enter places they aren’t supposed to. They’re small and flexible. In fact, mice can squeeze through any hole that their head can fit through—which can be as small as a dime! (See picture below.)
As a result, keeping mice out of your home can be tricky. However, it is doable if you’re thorough!
To keep mice out, it’s important to seal up any cracks, holes, or other access points that mice could fit through. That might be a lot of places in your home. Here are a few places to check and fix:
- Tiny openings in basements and garages
- Gaps around windows, cable and utility wiring, and light fixtures
- Large gaps at the bottom of doors
- Uncovered exterior vents
When it comes to closing the door on mice, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Use silicon, caulk, or steel mesh to seal up any and all cracks and crevices. Gaps at the bottom of doors can be fixed with a door sweep. Exterior vents can be closed with mesh screens.
Removing the Welcome Mat
After you’ve done all you can to keep mice from entering your home, it’s time to remove the welcome mat. That way, any mice that might find their way into your home won’t want to stay.
Like all creatures, mice need food and water. Make sure your home isn’t unintentionally offering up a mouse buffet! Here are a few ways to secure your food from hungry mice:
- Keep kitchen counters and tables free of food.
- Store pantry items (grains, cereals, etc.) in glass, metal, or Tupperware containers. (Mice can easily gnaw through paper and plastic packaging.) Don’t forget to do the same for pet food, also!
- Clean up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen.
- Secure trash by using a receptacle with a sealing lid.
- Fix any water leaks.
- Keep wood piles (where mice can take up residence) stacked far away from your home.
The goal here is to make your home as inhospitable as possible for mice.
Finally, know that just having a cat or dog isn’t enough to get rid of mice. Many homeowners with pets develop a mouse problem. If your home otherwise has everything that mice need, they’ll brave the danger!
Getting Rid of Mice
If you find a mouse (or two, three, or more) has already entered your home this winter, how do you get rid of it?
First, don’t wait until spring cleaning to take action. Mice can carry dangerous infectious diseases, and their mere presence in your home can risk your health and your family’s health.
Also, avoid DIY methods that don’t work and can be dangerous.
Instead, if you have a mouse infestation, contact your local pest control company as soon as possible. An experienced pest control professional can help you identify where the mice are getting in, locate the nest, and provide safe and effective solutions to get rid of mice.
Contact Us Today
Looking for professional help to get rid of mice in your home?
Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control is a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or via web inquiry, Facebook or Twitter.