Winning The Winter War: Keeping Mice Out in Cold Conditions

Mice can make their own entry points into your home if one isn't available!

As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, mice tend to seek warmth and shelter indoors, making your home a prime target. Dealing with a mouse infestation during this season can be challenging, but with a few proactive measures, you can prevent these pesky intruders from making your home their cozy refuge. Mice are well known to carry disease, like the Hantavirus. They can also carry fleas and ticks into your home.

Seal Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, so it's crucial to seal any potential entry points. Inspect your home for gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and utility lines. Use caulk, steel wool, or expandable foam to fill these gaps and prevent mice from sneaking in. Remember, mice can squeeze through a crack as small as 1/4"! So, if you can fit a pencil into the crack, the mice may be able to squeeze through.

Mice can squeeze through a crack as small as 1/4", or a hole the size of a dime!

Keep it Clean: Maintaining cleanliness is key to deterring mice. Regularly clean up crumbs, spills, and food debris. Store food in airtight containers and keep kitchen surfaces clean. Mice are attracted to easily accessible food sources, so denying them this will make your home less appealing.

Mice droppings can carry disease, and are a tell-tale sign of an infestation!

Trim Outdoor Vegetation: Trimming trees and bushes near your home can discourage mice from nesting close to your property. Removing any clutter near your home will also get rid of more potential nesting spots. By reducing their hiding spots and access points, you're creating a less inviting environment for them.

Set Traps: Strategically placing mouse traps in areas where mice are likely to travel can help control an existing infestation. Snap traps and humane traps are effective options (Pro tip: set snap traps perpendicular to walls where they travel, with the trigger next to the wall, otherwise they may run over the trap from the wrong direction and prematurely set off the trap). Remember to check and reset traps regularly for optimal results.

Use Natural Deterrents: Peppermint oil, cloves, and other strong-smelling natural substances are known to repel mice. Soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them in entry points or areas where mice frequent might discourage them from staying.

Consider Professional Help: If the infestation is severe or persistent, seeking professional pest control services might be necessary. Our pest control experts can assess the situation and implement effective measures to eradicate the mice from your home.

Stay Vigilant: Consistency is crucial in keeping mice at bay. Regularly inspect your home for signs of mice, such as droppings, chewed items, or nests. Early detection allows for prompt action, preventing the problem from escalating. Mice can have 5-10 litters per year, and females can breed as soon as 6 weeks of age. If you put off taking care of the problem, it can very quickly turn into a major infestation!

Mice can have up to 10 litters a year! That means that one breading pair can potentially reproduce into over 5000 mice in one year!

Conclusion: Winter brings its share of challenges, and dealing with mice in your home shouldn't be one of them. By taking preventive steps and staying proactive, you can protect your home from these unwanted guests and ensure a cozy, pest-free winter season.