Mouse in the House?

Follow these tips to keep your home rodent-free this fall.

Autumn brings colorful leaves, giant pumpkins, and the increased possibility that a mouse will find its way into your house as it seeks warmer climes for the upcoming winter.

Preventing a mouse infestation is preferable to dealing with the problem after rodents move in.  Follow these tips to mouse-proof your home:

·        Seal all points of entry.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “mice can fit through a hole the width of a pencil,” about a quarter of an inch.  Look for gaps outside your home that could be points of entry.  You may find holes around windows and doors; in the roof or attic and crawl space; in areas surrounding electrical or gas lines; and around the foundation.  Fill these areas with steel wool, caulk, or spray foam—don’t forget to inspect the garage, too.

·        Rid your home of possible food and water sources.  Enclose stored food in plastic containers and keep garbage bins tightly sealed—clean them often and dump the trash on a regular schedule.  Even bird feeders located close to the home can invite hungry pests.

·        Eliminate nesting areas.  Compost piles should be at least 100 feet from the house.  Get rid of abandoned vehicles.  And move woodpiles away from the house—elevate the piles at least a foot above the ground.  Keep shrubs and grass trimmed.

·        Make sure outside doors remain shut.  Mice may be bold enough to walk right through the front door if it’s left ajar!  Close basement windows and confirm garage doors (don’t forget side entries) shut tightly.

·        Get a cat or dog.  Predators can do a great job controlling the rodent population around your home.

·        Try spraying natural repellents like eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, and citronella oils to keep mice at bay.

It’s no fun to welcome rats and mice with the change of seasons—taking these precautionary steps will help you celebrate fall without a mouse in the house.

Post authored by Lora Bray.

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