How to Prevent Mice in the Home

Did you know the reason that man domesticated the cat was to get rid of mice running around in the home? Mice can invade your home and damage your property, contaminate your food and spread serious, and even fatal, diseases. Here are some housekeeping habits that will help to keep your home safe and rodent-free.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning supplies
• Ammonia
• Heavy plastic containers
• Yard working tools
• Sealants, such as caulking material, steel wool or expanding foam
• Your choice of peppermint, cayenne or cloves, either dried or oil
• Moth balls (optional)
• Cat (optional)
• Snake's shed skin (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean your home. Mice only need a little food to survive and can make a nest with a small amount of fabric or debris. Crumbs and food particles can attract critters into your home. It is important not to provide any opportunities for food and shelter. Ammonia is considered a deterrent for mice because it mimics the scent of their predators' urine.

2. Be very mindful in the kitchen. Kitchens, as well as attics, are the preferred areas for mice. It is important to store all food in air-tight containers. Do not leave any dirty dishes unattended. You should also wipe the counters and floor every night before retiring.

3. De-clutter your house inside and out. It is important to clear clutter where mice can hide and nest. Do not put anything directly next to the wall, either inside or outside your house. Store clean out of season clothing, pieces of fabric, linens and rugs in heavy plastic containers. Mice can tear soft plastic and other materials with their teeth. Outside the house, be sure to cover garbage cans and trim trees and shrubs.

4. Inspect your home for cracks inside and out. Mice can go through a hole the width of a pencil's eraser. It is important to check your home thoroughly and seal all crevices no matter how small. Do not allow these dangerous pests come into your home. You can use caulking material, steel wool and expanding foam.

5. Use spices like peppermint, cayenne pepper and cloves. Mice do not like the smell of these items. You can soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place in different areas of your home. You can also prepare sachets with the dried spices.

6. Use moth balls. This scent drives mice away. Unless you are very concerned about mice in your home, it is best to only use moth balls outdoors due to the strong smell. Moth balls are toxic to humans and animals so be sure to use caution and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

7. Get help from predators. If you have foxes, skunks, hawks, snakes and cats around your home just let them be. You can also consider getting a cat. It is said that the scent of a female cat will signal any mouse not to take up residence in a home. In extreme cases, some kitty litter with urine from a female cat will have the same effect. A snake's shed skin is also very effective.

Resources

• Comprehensive information about mice
• Information about diseases caused by mice and rats