Prevent Future Mice Infestations With Prevention Strategies
Since the start of Covid 19, the Center for Disease Control in the U.S. has advised that the rodent population in the United States has greatly increased with more people are cooking at home instead of heading out to restaurants to eat, and it’s safe to say that it’s happened in Canada too. Discovering a mouse in your home can be more than just a nuisance; it can be a serious health risk. If you attempt to trap and remove them, rodent infestations will continue. Identifying and sealing mice entry points is crucial to keeping your home safe and hygienic. But where do you start? Let's dive into understanding the most common ways mice enter, the following signs to look for, what a rodent entry point looks like, and finally, how we can stop them and prevent mice from entering our homes.
Understanding Mice Behaviour
Mice are crafty creatures. They are nocturnal, highly inquisitive, and excellent climbers. They create a wee mouse hole and gain access to homes in search of food, water, and shelter, exploiting even the smallest crevice and cracks on on an exterior wall. Knowing their habits can help us better defend our homes against them, and prevent rodents from making our house, their house.They chew holes in everything, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Sure, you can trap mice and release them outside, but that's essentially useless. A female mouse can give birth up to 10 times a year, with each litter consisting of an average of 6-8 baby mice. That equates to a heck of a lot of mice! The best way to deal with this problem is to block entries where they're getting in. Mice reach sexual maturity between 4-7 weeks old and will start to mate at only 6-8 weeks old. So unless you want your house to be overrun with rodents, it's crucial to take action and keep them out.
Common Entry Points for Mice
Cracks and Crevices in Walls
A common entry point for these furry intruders is through cracks or a gap in walls. It's surprising just how small of a space a mouse can squeeze through, with a gap as small as a dime providing access. As a homeowner, it's important to inspect your exterior house walls regularly for any tiny openings and seal them up with steel wool to stop mice from making their way inside. Taking these preventive measures can save you from the headache and hassle of a mouse issue in your house.
Openings Around Pipes and Wires
Tiny creatures can slip through even smaller openings. It's a fact we tend to forget, especially when it comes to utility pipes and electrical wires. These common fixtures in our homes can have a gap, cracks, and holes around them which mice can easily turn into access points. They are particularly fond of chewing holes around plastic pipes, and soon enough, mouse holes into your house will have unwelcomed guests. So, the next time you think a pesky mouse wouldn't try to gnaw holes and sneak in through a small opening, think again and keep an eye on your pipes.
Gap Under Your Doors
If you can see light under your door, it's likely that a mouse can get through. Installing door sweeps can help stop mice from entering.
Roof Vents and Chimneys
Vents and chimneys are like open invitations for mice. Ensure these are properly screened over with hardware cloth wire meshing to prevent a rodent infestation or any other pests from entering.
Attic and Roof Entry Points
Rodents (and other animals such as raccoons and squirrels) can climb an exterior wall and enter through a gap in the roofline into the attic. Regularly inspect these areas for any openings.
Signs of Mice
Droppings and Urine Stains
Eliminating even just one mouse from your home is crucial to maintaining a safe and clean living space. Signs of a mice infestation can include droppings and urine stains found along the rodents' travel routes. While these pests may seem harmless, they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans. Regularly checking for these signs can help prevent future infestations and the potential health risks that come with it.
Chewing Marks and Gnawing
Little teeth marks and gnawing are tell-tale signs of a serious mouse problem. These pesky rodents will gnaw holes in anything in their path, from furniture to cable lines and even exterior walls. One area to keep a particularly close eye on is air conditioners. Mice love to hide in the tight spaces around these units and will often leave behind chew marks to let you know they've been there. If you suspect you have a mouse problem, it's essential to eliminate the pests swiftly to avoid any damage to your property. Don't forget that mice are also a health risk to humans. The best course of action is to call in professional pest control to safely and effectively seal up the existing holes and eradicate the infestation and prevent any further gnawing or holes from occurring.
Scratching and Scurrying Sounds
If you're hearing scratching and scurrying sounds at night, it could be a sign of unwelcome critters in your home. Mice are notorious for running through soffits and creating amplified noise due to the aluminum panels and echoing wall. It's important to take action and thoroughly inspect your house for any exterior holes or entry points that could be giving these pests easy access to your living space. Blocking off these points can greatly reduce the risk of unwanted visitors and bring peace to your home. Don't let pesky mice ruin your sleep, contact a pest control specialist and take action today.
Nests and Burrows
When you're dealing with rodents, taking the time to understand where their nests and burrows are located can be invaluable. Mice are known for creating cozy little dens using shredded paper, fabric, and other soft materials. These nests are often cleverly hidden in dark, undisturbed areas such as attics, walls, and even wood piles outside. To truly eliminate the risk of infestation, it's important to prioritize pest control and take advantage of services that can help you block unwanted guests from gaining entry to your home or yard.
Tools and Materials Needed for Inspection
To thoroughly inspect your home, you'll need a few tools:
Flashlight: To see into dark corners and crevices for access points.
Inspection Mirror: To look behind and under objects.
Sealant, Concrete and Steel Wool: For sealing entry points.
Protective Gear: To keep yourself safe while inspecting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Mice Entry Points and Rodent Proofing Your Home
Exterior Inspection
Checking the Foundation
Walk around the perimeter of your house, inspecting the foundation for any cracks or holes. Pay close attention to areas where different materials meet, such as brick and wood.
Inspecting Doors And Windows
Check all windows and doors in your house, especially in the basement and ground floor. Look for a gap where a mouse could enter, and ensure your weather stripping is intact. A mouse will leave grease marks on an exterior wall as well.
Examining the Roof and Attic
Use a ladder to inspect the roof and attic vents for damage that might allow mice to enter.
Inspecting Your Yard
Check your garage door for chewed bits of rubber at the base. Trash cans or garbage cans should have rodent proof lids. Check in any wood piles you might have, as rodents can make a comfortable shelter inside
Interior Inspection
Inspecting Basements and Crawl Spaces
Basements and crawl spaces are prime locations for mice. Check these areas thoroughly, especially around pipes and ducts.
Checking Behind Appliances
Mice often hide behind appliances like stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines. Pull these away from the wall to inspect, and again check for grease marks on the wall.
Examining Cabinets and Storage Areas
Look inside cabinets, especially those in the kitchen, for any indications of mice. Pay attention to corners and behind stored items.
How to Seal Mice Entry Points
Using Sealant and Caulk
Seal small cracks and gaps with a high-quality sealant or caulk. This is an effective way to block mice from entering.
Applying Steel Wool and Mesh
For larger gaps, use steel wool or wire mesh. Mice can't chew through these materials, making them ideal for blocking entry points.
Installing Door Sweeps and Weather Stripping
Install door sweeps on exterior doors and add weather stripping to windows. This not only keeps mice out but also improves energy efficiency.
Preventive Measures to Keep Mice Out
Maintaining Cleanliness
Keep your home clean, especially the kitchen. Store food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills. A thorough inspection of the back of your kitchen cabinets for any mice droppings.
Proper Food Storage
Store food in glass or metal containers and keep pet food secured. Rodents enter because they are attracted to easily accessible food sources.
Regular Home Maintenance
Regularly inspect and maintain your home. Fix any damage that could provide an entry point for mice. Check doors and windows in your house for gaps or cuts in the screen, and inspect your garage door for any gaps at the bottom.
Professional Help and When to Call an Exterminator
Benefits of Professional Inspection
A professional can thoroughly inspect your home and identify entry points you might have missed. They have the experience and tools to handle infestations effectively.
Situations Requiring Expert Intervention
If you have a severe infestation or can't find all the entry points, it's best to call a professional exterminator. They can implement more extensive measures to eliminate mice from your home.
Conclusion
Keeping your home free from mice involves regular inspections, sealing entry points, and maintaining cleanliness. By understanding mice behaviour and taking proactive measures, you can protect your home from these unwanted guests.
FAQs
What attracts mice to my home?
Mice are attracted to food, water, and shelter. Easy access to food sources and a warm, safe environment can draw them, and other rodents, inside.
How do I know if I have a rodent infestation?
Common signs include seeing mouse droppings, chew marks, scratching sounds, and nests. Even seeing just one mouse during the day can also indicate an infestation.
Can mice enter through the roof?
Yes, these rodents can climb walls and chew an entry point through vents or gaps. Regularly inspect these areas for potential entry points.
What should I do if I find a mice nest?
If you find nesting materials, remove it all carefully and seal any nearby entry points. Cleaning the area thoroughly and setting snap traps can help to prevent further infestation.
Are mice dangerous to my health?
Yes, they can carry disease and they can contaminate food with their droppings and urine. It's important to address infestations promptly to protect your health.
