What Attracts Mice to Your Home?

What usually attracts mice to your home or business? The desire for food, of course! Your kitchen is most likely a treasure trove of tasty morsels, including bread, rice, pasta, cereal, vegetables, chocolate and biscuits. And cheese! And the easier it is for mice to nibble on your food, the more mice you’ll attract.

Mice, like humans, have other basic needs as well. They need shelter and, as winter settles in for the long chill, they crave warmth. A hot corner behind a stove can become a cosy refuge for them.

Unfortunately for you, they may also be seeking a breeding ground, safe from the dangers of the wild outdoors. And mice don’t waste time when it comes to breeding. If you see one mouse, chances are a whole family of rodents is now calling your house their sweet home.

7 ways to prevent mice from entering your home

Finding mice in your home or business can be very distressing. Mice are known to spread disease as they search for food and shelter. This poses great health risks in kitchens or where children play, so taking action to eliminate a mouse infestation quickly is important. Simple measures like mouse proofing your property can help to protect you. Looking for common signs of mice will also help to identify a problem early and ensure quick and effective treatment.

Here are 7 ways to prevent mice from entering your home

1. Doors – Fitting bristle (or brush) strips to the bottom of doors prevent entry,  especially in older properties where the door fit may not be snug.
2. Pipework – Seal holes around existing or new pipes with coarse grade stainless steel wire wool and caulking (pliable sealant).
3. Holes – These are often made in exterior walls for cables and pipes, check that old pipework holes are sealed too.
4. Air Bricks and Vents – Cover these with fine galvanised wire mesh, especially if they are damaged.
5. Eaves – Fix damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps.
6. Vegetation – Trim tree branches back from the house and where possible avoid plants growing up the sides of your property. Vines, shrubs or overhanging branches can be used for mice to get onto roofs. Overgrown vegetation close to the walls will offer mice shelter and potential nesting sites.
7. Lawns – Keep grass mown short to reduce shelter and seeds for food. Ideally, leave a gap between the building foundations and the garden.

Do you have any mouse problems? Contact us today or call 1890 666 444 now for expert advice, free call outs and assistance.