What to Do if You Are Being Overridden by Mice
When you were young, you may have had a pet mouse and spent a lot of time trying to figure out why they loved that running wheel so much. Today, however, you may have no place in your life for these critters, especially as they seem to be invading your home. Now that this diminutive creature has turned from friend to foe, how do you win the battle and banish them forever? Here are just a few steps to take.
Understand Your Real Adversary
Far from being cuddly household pets, mice that live in the wild are pests that can communicate bacteria and disease. They will try to get into your home in search of food or a place to nest and they can gain access through a seemingly impossible crack in the wall. Even if the potential access point is too small, they have powerful teeth that will gnaw away at the opening until they can squeeze in.
Scout the Territory
Look for areas where they might focus, especially where pipes may enter the building, or where weather-stripping may have rotted. Sometimes, a door frame has warped and this may be enough to permit access.
Put up Barricades
If you find any suspect areas, use caulking to cover them or wire mesh where a hole is larger. Remember, mice have very strong teeth, so the mesh needs to be very durable.
Don't Encourage Them
These animals have a good sense of smell and will zero in on any food that you leave out. Consequently, take time to clear up the home so that you don't leave food or a lot of clutter around. Clutter gives the mouse raw material, so they can build a nest and if they find any food, they will take it back and set up for a long stay.
Remember, a tiny morsel of food underneath the stove may seem irrelevant to you, but it can be a positive feast for a mouse. It doesn't take much to attract them and they can be very difficult to get rid of when they are established.
Call in the Cavalry
If you think that you're fighting a losing battle and may have a significant case of infestation, you need to get in touch with local pest control experts as soon as possible. They will definitely have the means to clear your home out, so you can live your life pest-free.