How To Help Stop Mice This Winter
Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess
While mice can enter buildings at any time, their inclination to seek shelter significantly increases during the winter months. During extremely cold and snowy weather, mice may enter a state of torpor, causing their activity to slow. However, as soon as temperatures rise above freezing and the weather improves, they become active again. This resurgence in activity can be particularly intense, especially if another cold snap is on the horizon.
When this resurgence happens, your home or business may be susceptible to infestation. This means you, your family, and even your coworkers or employees could be at risk (Learn about the adverse effects of rodents on property and health here). Not only can rodents chew on wires and potentially cause structure fires, but they also spread disease. Protecting your property, friends, and family is of utmost importance. With that in mind, here are 26 mice prevention tips you can use to help stop mice this winter and mice-proof your property:
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it at least six inches off the ground.
- Trim all shrubbery, trees, and plants away from the home, ensuring that trees are trimmed back by a minimum of six feet and shrubs and other plants by at least 18 inches.
- Seal cracks, holes, and crevices (Known as pest-proofing) outside your home using caulk or similar materials, paying special attention to plumbing and electrical penetrations, cracks in brickwork, and gaps in soffits.
- Remove any fallen nuts, berries, fruits, or other food sources that may come from nearby trees or plants.
- Reduce leaf litter, twigs, limbs, and grass clippings on your property.
- Install screens on chimneys, gable vents, and other ventilation openings.
- Add door sweeps to all exterior doors to prevent entry.
- Repair or replace damaged windows and window screens to eliminate potential entry points.
- Fix or replace loose weatherstripping on exterior doors, including those on overhead garage doors.
- Repair loose mortar in brick, block, or stone structures.
- Keep crawlspaces dry and well-ventilated.
(Check out this vlog for 7 tips to protect your crawlspace this winter)
- Limit access to crawlspaces by installing temperature-controlled foundation vents.
- Ensure basements are dehumidified, dry, and free of clutter.
- Verify that floor drains are retaining water securely and not drying out.
- Fix leaking pipes, clogged drains, broken downspouts, and leaky roofs to eliminate moisture.
- Ensure proper drainage by directing water away from your home during rainfall.
- Empty interior garbage daily to avoid attracting pests.
- Use strong, rodent-proof exterior garbage cans for waste disposal.
- Store food in airtight containers to keep it secure.
- Consider changing pet food brands if they contain corn meal, which can attract rodents.
- Do not allow free-choice feeding for pets. Follow the recommended feeding schedule from food manufacturers or consult with a veterinarian; food should not remain out for more than 10 minutes.
- Keep bird feeders and bird seed at least 50 to 100 feet from home or building.
- Inspect any items brought into the home, especially boxes and bags, where mice may be hiding.
- Monitor quiet areas in the home after dark for any signs of rodent activity.
- Observe your pets for any unusual behavior, as they may be alerting you to something they perceive.
- Request an attic inspection from Four Seasons Pest Solutions to verify the absence of droppings, carcasses, gallery runs, or nesting sites.
- Employ year-round pest control efforts to reduce the presence of insects that may attract mice.
If an infestation is already present, these preventative measures can help decrease the mouse population; however, complete elimination may be more challenging. If you’re experiencing rodent problems, contact Four Seasons Pest Solutions and inquire about our highly regarded ZeRo Program!
For information on Urban rodent control challenges and solutions, click here.
