Mice can turn your house into theirs with their resourcefulness. These rodents might seem harmless, but their presence can result in damage, diseases, and stress. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to deter such unwanted visitors effectively. Also, a Manchester pest control company can send technicians to your home to assess the severity of the issue and treat it as needed. Below are ways to repel mice from your home:
Seal Up Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. This means tiny holes in your foundation, siding, or around windows can be an open door for them.
To ensure you do not miss an opening, take a walk around your home and look for cracks, gaps, or holes. You can usually find these openings near doors, windows, vents, and pipes. You can seal them up with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
Use Peppermint Oil
To use it peppermint oil, soak cotton balls in 100% pure peppermint oil and place them in areas where mice might enter. You can place the treatment under sinks, near pantry shelves, or along baseboards. You must refresh the cotton balls every few days to keep the scent strong, but it is a safe and chemical-free way to discourage mice from sticking around.
Try Mothballs and Ammonia
Both ammonia and mothballs have strong odors that mice dislike. You can place mothballs in places mice might sneak into, or leave small dishes of ammonia in corners of the basement or garage.
But be careful as these products have strong smells that can also bother people and pets. If you have kids or animals in the house, it might be better to stick with safer options like peppermint oil or sealed food containers.
Keep Food Sealed and Out of Reach
Mice only need a few crumbs and a drop of water to keep them going. You can keep mice away by storing food in sealed containers. This includes snacks, grains, and pet food. Do not forget to clean up spills quickly and take out the trash regularly. Also, avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Consider Ultrasonic Repellent Devices
Some homeowners in Manchester swear by these devices. These ultrasonic repellents send out a noise that humans cannot hear, but mice find annoying. You can plug them into an outlet in rooms where you suspect mouse activity. These devices don’t work for everyone, but they are a good tool to try, especially when used along with other methods.
Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Clutter gives mice places to hide and build nests. Keeping your home tidy makes it harder for them to settle in. You can make your home less appealing to these rodents by cleaning out the garage and organizing your basement. Also, you should avoid letting piles of paper, cardboard, or clothes sit around. Vacuum regularly and wipe down surfaces, especially in the kitchen.
Use Natural Repellent Plants
Peppermint, lavender, and onions may also repel mice. You can plant peppermint or lavender near doors and windows or keep potted versions inside. Dried herbs like bay leaves can also work. Place them in cupboards or drawers.
Keep the Outside Tidy
Mice often nest in piles of leaves, tall grass, or woodpiles near your foundation. Trim bushes away from your home and move firewood away from the walls. Also, clear out debris that could serve as shelter. If you feed birds, make sure feeders do not spill seeds too close to the house. Spilled seeds can attract both birds and rodents.
Let Your Cat Do the Work
Cats are natural hunters, and their scent can be enough to keep mice away. Their presence can still act as a deterrent. Some people even use used cat litter in sealed containers placed near entry points outside. The smell signals to mice that a predator is nearby.
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