When the season changes and the temperatures drop, the chance of unwelcome houseguests rises. Mice may seek shelter in your warm, cozy home when the cooler weather begins. While you may never see a mouse, you might see indications that they are living in your home. Some of these signs include droppings, disturbed insulation, chewed wiring or furniture, and nests made of paper.
Mice are opportunists and will seek out any defect in your home to gain access. They can slip through holes and gaps as small as ¼”, or roughly the size of a pencil! If an opening isn’t big enough for them to squeeze through, the mouse may gnaw until it IS big enough. Mice may enter your home through gaps in windows or ceilings and even through sewer lines. If drainage pipes aren’t properly sealed, they may even enter through sink or bathtub drains. They can also find their way inside through holes around plumbing and gas lines.
Mice breed very quickly, and a small problem can very soon turn into a large infestation. Along with the damage they can do, the diseases that they carry make it essential to take action early. Here are some low effort, low cost preventative measures to help avoid an infestation:
- Store dry goods and pet food in plastic or metal containers with tightly closed lids.
- Wipe down counters, stovetops, and tabletops after each use.
- Vacuum and mop regularly
- Regularly clean under the stove, refrigerator, and cupboards.
- Seal indoor and outdoor trash cans.
- Make sure doors are sealed thoroughly. Install weather stripping at the bottom if necessary.
- Eliminate debris around your home to eliminate any potential shelters.
- Inspect the perimeter of your home. Seal any holes in exterior walls around cables and pipes larger than 5mm. Cover vents with fine galvanized wire mesh, especially if they’re damaged.
- Fix damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps.
Evaluate the exterior of your home twice a year to inspect for any new holes or gaps where rodents can enter. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and where the gutters connect to the fascia board. Prevention is key in this situation.
If you’re concerned about mice invading your home this winter, or if you think you may already have a mouse in the house, contact Complete Pest Solutions to schedule an inspection.