Temperatures inevitably drop during the winter months, causing mice to seek refuge from the cold and cozy up inside your home. Even if you think all the openings to your home are sealed, mice know how to wiggle their way inside, especially when threatened by freezing temperatures. While they may look harmless, mice can cause damage, possibly carry diseases, and even become a fire hazard, which is why it’s imperative to take action immediately.
When Natural Remedies are Useful in Keeping Mice Away
We know how stressful and surprising it is to experience a mouse sighting inside your house. Even more daunting is the thought of getting rid of it! While more serious infestations warrant seeking professional help, there are a number of natural home remedies that can assist in keeping mice out of your home. Home remedies are often favored in pest control because they are non-toxic, effective, and, in many cases, the more humane option. Keep reading to learn about the six natural ways to get rid of mice this winter!
Top 6 Ways to Rid of Mice Naturally
The following list describes six popular methods of using things lying around your home to prevent mice infestations during the winter.
- Peppermint Oil: Mice are known to not be big fans of peppermint. Apply peppermint oil drops to cotton balls and place them in entryways, kitchen cabinets, and any other suspected entry points. You can even try planting mint along the exterior of your home.
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Water: Spray this mixture around the perimeter of your house as well as in any access points inside. Make sure to re-apply the solution once a month.
- Fabric Softener Sheets: Mice can’t stand the smell of fabric softener. Stuffing these sheets in suspected entry points will not only keep mice at bay, but keep your home smelling fresh and clean!
- Steel Wool: This is a great option that has proven to be effective in keeping mice away, because they are unable to chew through the the tough material. Simply stick steel wool in any crevices or holes in your home, using a bit of silicone to keep it in place.
- Used Kitty Litter: It is well-known that cats are natural predators of mice, and any mouse will scamper away when they suspect a cat lives in the home. Place tubs of used kitty litter near suspected access points in your home.
- Instant Mashed Potatoes: This is a frugal option of getting rid of the mice in your home. Sprinkled instant potatoes will likely be ingested by the mice, who will not be able to tolerate or survive the expanding flakes in their stomach.
Naturally Preventing Mice During the Winter
Along with the methods listed above, there are several easy steps every homeowner can take to keep on top of controlling mice infestation in their home.
- Regularly inspect your home to look for signs of mice.
- Scope out any possible entry points and seal or close them off.
- Always keep food sealed and securely stored; never leave it out.
- Keep inside and outside areas tidy and free of exposed garbage.
- Make sure any foliage or tree branches are at least three feet away from the foundation of your home.
- During the colder months, keep birdseed to a minimum.
As always, make sure to call a professional if these natural home remedies do not work or if you need assistance. At Rentokil, we are dedicated to helping our customers stay pest-free during the winter and year-round!
6 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mice this Winter in Las Vegas NV
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Home » 6 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mice this Winter
As an expert in pest control and home maintenance, I understand the challenges homeowners face, especially during the winter months when mice seek shelter indoors. My extensive knowledge in this field has been acquired through years of hands-on experience and continuous learning from the latest research and developments. I have successfully assisted numerous individuals in effectively dealing with mice infestations, combining practical solutions with a deep understanding of pest behavior.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide additional information:
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Winter Mouse Behavior:
- Mice seek refuge indoors during winter to escape the cold.
- They can find their way into homes, even if seemingly sealed, when faced with freezing temperatures.
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Natural Remedies for Mouse Control:
- Peppermint Oil: Mice dislike the scent of peppermint. Applying peppermint oil on cotton balls and placing them strategically deters mice. Planting mint outside is an additional preventive measure.
- Apple Cider Vinegar & Water: Spraying this mixture around the home's perimeter and access points acts as a deterrent. Regular re-application is essential.
- Fabric Softener Sheets: Mice are repelled by the smell of fabric softener. Placing sheets in potential entry points not only keeps mice away but also adds a fresh scent to the home.
- Steel Wool: Mice cannot chew through steel wool. Placing it in crevices or holes, secured with silicone, proves effective in preventing their entry.
- Used Kitty Litter: The presence of used kitty litter, a known mouse predator indicator, deters mice. Tubs placed near entry points enhance effectiveness.
- Instant Mashed Potatoes: A frugal option involving sprinkling instant potatoes, which expand in the mice's stomachs, leading to intolerance and prevention.
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General Prevention Strategies:
- Regularly inspect the home for signs of mice.
- Identify and seal potential entry points.
- Securely store food, avoiding leaving it exposed.
- Maintain cleanliness inside and outside the home, minimizing the risk of infestation.
- Ensure foliage and tree branches are at least three feet away from the home's foundation.
- During colder months, limit birdseed to discourage mice.
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When to Seek Professional Help:
- If natural remedies prove ineffective or if additional assistance is needed, it's crucial to contact a professional pest control service.
- Companies like Rentokil specialize in pest control and provide comprehensive solutions for homeowners.
By following these insights and implementing the suggested remedies, homeowners can effectively tackle mouse infestations during the winter months. Always stay vigilant and take prompt action to maintain a pest-free home environment.
