Mice are intelligent creatures that find their way into homes through tiny cracks and tiny holes. They can build burrows in unused corners and are able to feed on crumbs. You may not even notice the presence of a mice or two, but if you're not careful you may end up with an unmanageable infestation on your hands. The secret to keeping mice from getting inside is to seal the house, clean the spots where mice like to build burrows, and eliminate their food supplies.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Introduce Deterrents
Step 1. Welcome a cat to your property
Cats are the natural predators of mice, and their presence can go a long way in keeping the mouse population on your property in check. Cats, whether indoors or outdoors, are excellent deterrents against mice.
Step 2. Use a mouse repellent
Some substances keep them away. Place one of the following items in basement corners, closets, doors, and other places mice might enter:
- Mint. Mint plants placed around doors and windows will keep mice away. You could also sprinkle some peppermint or spearmint essential oils around the house.
- Bay leaves. Place them in the corners of the pantry and kitchen cabinets, or pound them and spread them on the windowsills.
- Naphthalene. It will keep mice away, but it is poisonous to humans and pets. If you use mothballs, make sure children, dogs and cats can't get close to it.
Step 3. Set traps near the outside of the house
Place them in areas you think mice are accessing from.
- Try traps that catch mice alive. The mice will be lured by a peanut butter or cheese bait, and when the trap door closes behind them, they will no longer be able to get out. Release the mice in an area away from home.
- Spring traps or glue traps are also effective, but you run the risk of catching other wildlife with them if you set them outdoors.
Step 4. Attract the mice outside
Purchase bait boxes at a hunting supply store. Typically they involve a box and a poisonous bait. Think thoroughly before using these traps if you have children or pets that could fall victim to them.
- Place poisonous trap boxes around the house, concentrating them in areas from which you suspect mice have access to the house.
- If you find a rat dead from poison, throw it away immediately. If another animal ate the mouse, it would be poisoned in turn.
Method 2 of 4: Clean Your Home
Step 1. Remove the clutter from your home
Mice are attracted to forgotten corners of cellars, closets and warehouses. Remove the following items to make your home less inviting for rats looking for a place to build a den:
- Boxes of old kitchen utensils. The dishes, glasses, pots and pans you wanted to sell at the next flea market can attract mice.
- Stacks of clothes. You may notice small bite marks on your clothes if you leave them on the ground for too long. Clothes stored in bags can also be used as a rat's den. Store clothes you don't wear often in a wooden drawer or plastic containers to keep mice away.
- Piles of magazines, newspapers or other sheets of paper. They offer the mice the materials to build their lair.
- Cardboard boxes. Mice can gnaw on boxes, so don't store them on the ground.
- Cans, bottles or other old food containers. Mice can be attracted by the smell of food residues.
- Old furniture. Now may be the time to get rid of that old armchair that has been gathering dust in the basement for years. Anything made of cloth, especially if it isn't used often, can make a comfortable home for a mouse.
Step 2. Mop the floors and vacuum the carpets
Crumbs, drink residues and everyday dirt can attract mice. Make your home less inviting by disinfecting floors and vacuuming carpets a couple of times a week.
- Pay attention to the corners of the house where balls of dust and hair gather. Mice use these materials to build their burrows.
- Don't forget the garage. Make sure the garage floor is free of dirt, sand, gravel, and other materials that may have accumulated.
Method 3 of 4: Remove Food Sources
Step 1. Mouse-proof your kitchen and pantry
The most likely food source for mice entering the house is the kitchen. Take the following steps to make sure you are not inadvertently feeding mice:
- Use a garbage can that can be closed with a lid, as the smell of the garbage can attract mice. Take out the trash often and don't leave it in the kitchen for too long.
- Do not store food boxes on the floor. Make sure everything is kept on shelves or cabinets.
- Use airtight food containers. Store grains, pasta, nuts, and other dry foods in plastic or glass containers with tight lids. Instead of putting a half-sized box of cereal or other item on the pantry shelf, pour its contents into a food container and discard the box.
- Clean up immediately when you spill something. Don't leave fruit juice or oatmeal on the floor for too long. Sweep and wash the kitchen floor often to remove traces of food.
Step 2. Do not leave food for your dog or cat in the bowl all day
Pet foods are also appetizing for mice, and leftovers will attract them if you leave them out for too long. When your pets have finished eating, put their food away. Keep pet food in airtight glass or plastic containers.
Step 3. Remove outdoor food sources
Mice may be lured to your property because they find good things to eat outside. Remove the following food sources:
- Dried fruits and berries that have fallen from trees. Collect them and use them as compost or throw them away.
- Bird food that has been spread around the feeder. Clean the food on the ground often, or move the feeding trough to a corner of the garden away from the house.
- Spilled garbage. Prevent mice from reaching the trash by using a bin with a tight lid. If possible, keep the trash cans in a shed that is not adjacent to the house.
Method 4 of 4: Seal the House
Step 1. Close the doors
If you have a habit of leaving your house or garage door open, mice may seize the opportunity by sneaking in when you're not checking. Keep the doors closed to prevent rats from entering freely.
- Mice are most active at night, so it's best not to leave doors open after dark.
- If you like to leave the doors open during the summer to let in the fresh air, install mosquito nets so the mice can't get in.
Step 2. Seal the windows
Mice are excellent climbers and have no problem getting in through a window, especially if it's on the first floor. Always keep windows closed or seal them with a mosquito net.
- If you haven't checked the screens in a long time, take a walk around the house and inspect them. Mosquito nets have a tendency to break with time, and a rusty hole or tear in the net can offer an entry point for mice.
- If you have a window that doesn't close completely, or there are openings between the window and the frame, seal it with steel wool or wire mesh.
Step 3. Inspect the foundation
Another likely entry point for mice are cracks in the walls, especially near windows and entrances. Walk around the house looking for cracks or holes that rats could enter.
- Seals all holes larger than 6.4mm in size. It is best to use resistant materials for repairs, such as plates, metal mesh or concrete. Mice may be able to quickly gnaw on weaker materials and re-enter your home.
- Check the walls that separate the garage from the rest of the house. In some cases, rats enter through garage doors because they are more difficult to seal than smaller doors, and from there they are able to access the house.
Step 4. Seal cable holes and exhaust sockets, vents and chimneys
Mice can easily follow the cables into the house if the hole is large enough for them to pass through. They can also enter through holes created for pipes and drains or sneak into vents and chimneys.
- Insert steel panels into the small holes around the pipes and cables, then seal them with putty. The steel will create an abrasive barrier to keep the types out, and can be easily cut with scissors to fit very small holes.
- Prevent mice from entering pipes, ventilation ducts and chimneys by installing nets.
