You spotted a mouse in your home. It is reasonable to conclude you may already have an entire nest in your home. There’s bad news and good news. The bad news is, these furry little creatures are a threat to health. In the quest for food, warmth, and shelter, they make their way into homes and constitute lots of nuisance. They chew on foodstuff, household appliances, documents, furniture, and other materials. The good news is, you can get rid of these creatures and their nuisance using effective methods. That sounds better. Doesn’t it?
Reasons why your home may be infected by mice.
Lack of proper sanitation
Mice are attracted to unclean and untidy homes. If the dishes are left unwashed and the room cluttered, these furry creatures find a way to make themselves a cozy environment to live in. What can you do? Clean out the clutter, put your washing soap to use, and wash and clean until your home sparkles in cleanliness.
Shelter and Nesting
Mice scurry to homes for shelter and materials for nesting like paper, soft sheets, hair, rug, blanket, etc.
Accessible entry points
These furry creatures can squeeze through tiny holes that may be structural openings in the building and find their way into homes. In some cases, these structural openings are made by contractors to accommodate your water and gas lines.
Relocation of these furry creatures.
Your neighbor might do a total house overhaul to get rid of mice in their home. The survivors may find their way into your home. If your neighbor’s home has a large mice population, some of these furry creatures will find their way into your home.
How to know your house is infested by mice
Mice droppings
Mice droppings are smaller than rice grain and have a pelleted appearance. These droppings can be found in cupboards, under tables and sinks, corners, etc. Stay on the lookout for mice if you spot these droppings. However, you may be facing a rat issue If these droppings are larger than a rice grain. Mice can also be identified by their size. A house mouse typically measures around 2 to 3 inches. House mice also have larger ears for their head size than rats.
Gnaw marks
You may notice gnaw marks or scratches on shelves, cupboards, and around food wraps. However, these marks may be from another rodent or your pet.
Food Crumbs
You may notice crumbs of food scattered in the store room or around unusual places. If you do, watch out! They are already in your home, reducing your food supply.
Squeaking And Scratching Sounds
These sounds often occur at night and may suggest the presence of mice in your home. However, these sounds are not exclusive to mice only. It can come from other rodents or pets. Be sure to confirm.
There are easy ways to get rid of the mice in your home. Let’s dive in! Easy tips to get rid of mice in your home
Locate all entry points and seal them off
Locate and seal off entry holes with materials like duct tape or cement. This is an effective way to prevent the entry of mice as you handle the ones already inside your home.
Get a cat
Go biological by getting the natural predator, a cat to take care of the job. However, this is not advisable if you or any other member of the family is sensitive or allergic to cats.
Set traps
Traps are very effective ways of getting rid of mice in your home. Some examples are the snap trap, glue trap, and electric trap. The snap trap can quickly kill mice with its quick trigger system. A con to this method is the gory sight of blood when the trap kills the mouse. The electric trap electrocutes mice fatally. The glue trap consists of a strong adhesive that traps mice and prevents movement. You can remove the creature from the glue trap far away from your home and let it roam or kill it.
Seal your trash can/dispose of dirt quickly
Mice are attracted to trash. Leaving the trash can open will constitute a source of nourishment for mice. Get trash cans with tight lids or rubber cords to prevent mice access to the rubbish inside the trash can. Clean the trash cans thoroughly regularly to eliminate smells that attract mice.
Use a mouse repellant
A simple preparation of essential oil consisting of clove and peppermint can do the trick. Another effective repellent is pepper spray made from a mixture of pepper and water. Put the preparation in a spray bottle and spray at strategic locations. The scents at strategic positions will repel mice. Ensure that these repellents are out of the reach of children and pets to prevent injury.
Mouse poison
This is a fast way of getting rid of mice in their numbers. Spray the poison in foodstuffs like crayfish, stockfish, bread, etc. Keep them in strategic positions where these furry creatures are likely to be found. Mouse poisons are made to be safe for pets and kids. Out of caution, ensure the mouse poison is out of reach. Taking measures to get rid of mice will effectively reduce their population. In some cases, getting rid of them for good involves additional efforts.
Here are other things you can do;
Remove their food supply, Get rid of clutter in your home, Get help from professionals that specialize in the fumigation or mice extermination.
The mice population in your home can quickly multiply if left unchecked. One major reason? The female mice are prolific and can give birth to multiple litters a year. Ensuring the complete elimination of mice in your home will require time and effort but pay off in the long run.
