At JG Pest Control we have always believed it is far easier to keep mice out than to evict them once they have moved in. Stopping mice from getting indoors in the first place is your best defence against an infestation taking hold, so a little prevention now saves a great deal of trouble later.
Below are the steps we recommend, both to keep mice out and to make your home a far less appealing place for them to settle.
Seal up the ways in
Mice need surprisingly little room to get inside. Any crack or hole bigger than a quarter of an inch is enough, so go round the house looking for gaps and fill them with expandable foam. Pay particular attention to the attic, your vents and the space beneath windowsills, all of which offer easy access if left open.
- Seal any pipes that run to outside water supplies, such as hot water tanks or hose connections. Steel or bronze wool packed into the gap works well and deters mice from following the pipe indoors.
- If your home has a chimney, cap or screen it with proper mouse-proofing. Mice climb up and down chimneys with ease, and a cap closes that route off.
- Fit door sweeps to the bottom of outbuildings and garages. These fill the gap under the door that mice would otherwise slip straight through.
Take away the food and shelter
Even a well-sealed home is tempting if there is food on offer. Never leave pet food or food waste out on display, and when you throw food away, seal it and put it in a bin with a proper lid.
For storage, our rule of thumb is the higher the better. Keep food in glass, metal or plastic containers and tuck them away in closed cupboards. It is also worth tackling clutter, since piles of stored bits and pieces give mice ideal places to hide and nesting material to boot.
One natural deterrent worth trying is scent. Mice dislike strong smells, so dabbing peppermint oil or cayenne pepper near small cracks and crevices can help keep them at bay. Peppermint oil tends to work best, and you can put a few drops on dryer sheets placed around the house and garden.
If you have already noticed mice or signs of an infestation, our mice specialists can clear the problem for you. Get in touch to find out more. We are open every day except Christmas Day, from early until late.