How To Mouse-Proof Your Home
Mice are one of the most bothersome pests in the United States and can wreak havoc in any home if not gotten under control. Mice reproduce numerous times a year, and it doesn't take long for two mice to become thousands of mice. The best way to get rid of mice in your home is to avoid letting them get into your home in the first place. These are some ways to mouse-proof your home.
Trim Your Trees
If you have trees close to your home, be sure to keep the branches trimmed back as far away from your home as possible. Mice can climb trees. They can also use tree branches as a way to get on the roof of your home. This allows them access to any openings in the roof or attic, so they can easily get into your home and inside the walls. If the branches are trimmed away from the home, mice do not have a bridge to cross to your roof.
Seal Off Holes
Mice are tiny and do not require a lot of room to squeeze into your home. Do a thorough inspection all around the outside of your home. If there are any small holes that look like a mouse might fit through, chances are it will. An adult mouse can fit in a dime-sized hole, and younger mice can fit through even smaller holes. Cover all openings with sheet metal or fill them with steel wool to prevent mice from entering your home.
Use Weather Stripping
Seal around your windows and doors with weatherstripping. If your doors and windows have an airtight seal, this will also help keep mice and insects out of your home. Weatherstripping has a bonus benefit of making your home more energy-efficient as well.
Keep Your Home Clean
Another way to keep the mice at bay is to keep both the inside and outside of your home as clean as possible. Keep all garbage out of the house. Do not store garbage cans near your home. Also, avoid raking food scraps outside your home, and do not store open bags of pet food outside. Mice love to get into garbage and pet food. Leaving these items outside is like inviting mice to come inside.
If you still see signs of mice even after attempting to mouse-proof your home, it may be time to contact an exterminator. Professional exterminators have experience, and they know how to get rid of mice and keep them out of your home permanently.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers mice extermination services.