Eeek! Is that a mouse? Mice infestations can be pretty common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Mice can cause all sorts of issues in your home, including health risks, property damage, and food contamination. Let’s talk about the best ways to get rid of mice with short- and long-term prevention tactics!
Signs of Bad Mice Infestation
Do you think you might have a mouse problem? Some of the most common indicators that a furry little friend or two have moved into your home are small, black, rice-shaped droppings typically found in places mice eat or sleep, like pantries, cabinets, behind appliances, or along baseboards.
In search of food, mice also love to chew holes in food packing, such as cardboard boxes or plastic bags. Check your kitchen for this telltale sign, in addition to gnaw marks on your furniture or wiring. Mice need to keep their teeth nice and sharp, and gnawing on these objects gets the job done!
Other common warning signs of rodent infestations include shredded paper or fabric nests, tiny footprints or tail marks, distinctive musky odors, or scratching noises, particularly in walls or ceilings.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Mice
Mice can carry nasty diseases and other viruses, so removing them from your home is important for the health of your family and pets.
If you are interested in more traditional and practical methods of removing mice, consider things like snap traps, live traps, and bait. These traps will require you to monitor them frequently and dispose of or remove the mice if you happen to catch them.
Should your DIY methods prove to be no match for the mice in your home, don’t hesitate to explore professional mice extermination services.
Long-Term Mice Prevention
Most mice control advice focuses on what to do when you already have an infestation. But you don’t have to wait for mice to show up before you take action to deter mice from moving into your space.
The biggest thing to help you in your fight against mice is keeping a clean and clutter-free home. Remove any possible food sources by keeping pet food properly secured and disposing of garbage and food scraps immediately. Without a good hiding spot or access to food, mice will move on to another host quickly.
What Keeps Mice Away?
Certain scents will keep your home smelling fresh while also deterring mice from your living spaces. While things like food crumbs and pet food will attract mice, scents like peppermint, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and eucalyptus will repel them.
Plant these mice-repelling plants in your garden, or use essential oil sprayed on cotton balls around your space to encourage mice to go in a different direction.
How to Deter Mice: Practical Tips
While a mouse problem can be common, it doesn’t mean you want to roll out the welcome mat. In addition to enlisting a professional for rodent control services, you can also use a number of effective long-term strategies to let mice know that they are not allowed in your home.
Simple things such as sealing cracks in your doors, windows, and foundations can help to keep mice outside. Maintaining cleanliness by keeping your home clean and decluttered, removing garbage and waste, and securing food in airtight containers will go a long way in keeping your home happy and healthy! For even more effective ways to keep mice out, check out these tips on how to get rid of mice in your backyard.
Learning what deters mice, like essential oils and traps, will also help you maintain your mouse-free house. Mice infestations can grow out of control quickly. Don’t forget to perform regular home inspections so that if you do have a mouse infestation, you’ll notice it right away. If you suspect mice may be inside your walls, address the issue before it worsens. Don’t forget to perform regular home inspections to catch potential infestations early.
Eco-friendly Methods to Deter Mice
If you do happen to find that your home has picked up some unwanted roommates, don’t worry! There are plenty of humane ways to get rid of mice.
Some of the most popular ways to deter mice include using peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or tea tree essential oils around your home. While these strong scents can be welcoming for humans, they tend to repel rodents due to the overwhelming aroma. You can try this method by putting a few drops of these essential oils on cotton balls and placing them in areas of noticeable activity. If you choose this route, don’t forget to consider the effects these oils may have on your small children and pets.
Keeping your home clean and uncluttered is another way to get rid of mice. Cut off their food sources by securely storing your food items. Block entry points by closing any small holes or gaps (you can use steel wool, too!) that offer an opening into your space.
Professional Mouse Removal Options with Mosquito Joe
Whether you have already spotted a mouse in your house or you want to prevent them before they move in, it’s important to know that you don’t have to fight the mice alone!
Our Mosquito Joe® services have been helping thousands of homes stay mouse-free. Our professionals know exactly what keeps mice away. We can create a plan to handle your existing mouse problem or take preventative measures to stop them from coming inside in the first place.
We know that dealing with little rodents in your home can be a stressful situation. That’s why we promise to bring our A-game! All of our services are backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™️ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee. We will come out to your home with a smile and the expertise necessary to get rid of your mouse problem for good.
Don’t worry about those little footprints running across your counters anymore. Contact your local Mosquito Joe for a free estimate today!
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mosquito Joe location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
