Mice in Your Home This Winter: What To Know

During the long, cold winters in Minnesota, mice might make their way into homes in search of snug accommodations. Take a look at what you need to know about them hunkering down at your house.

What Makes Your Home Attractive to Mice?

Your home can have several elements that make it an attractive place for mice:

• Warmth and shelter: Most mammals would prefer to be warm and cozy rather than shivering in the cold. Mice do not hibernate, so given the choice, a mouse will always choose your toasty home rather than a cold hole in the ground to spend the long winter. Homes provide mice with a cozy and protected environment, making them an attractive option. 
• Water sources: Mice need water to survive. Standing water, leaky pipes, or moist areas in and around your home can attract mice in search of hydration.
• Available food: Mice are attracted to homes that provide them with easy access to food. They are particularly drawn to areas where food is stored or prepared, such as kitchens, pantries, and garbage bins. A heated garage or basement is also ideal, especially if you store bird seed or pet food. 

How Do Mice Enter Your Home?

Mice can squeeze through extremely small openings. Common entry points include gaps in foundations, cracks in walls, vents, and gaps around pipes and utilities.

How Can You Prevent Mice From Entering Your Home During the Winter?

Don't want to deal with these squeaking pests? Do these things:

• Seal all potential entry points: Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings that mice could squeeze through. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these entry points.
• Install door sweeps: Place door sweeps on the bottom of all exterior doors to prevent mice from sneaking in underneath.
• Screen vents and openings: Use mesh screens to cover vents, chimneys, and any other openings where mice could gain access.
• Store food properly: Keep all food items in airtight containers to prevent mice from being attracted to them.
• Clean up spills and crumbs: Regularly clean up any food spills or crumbs, as they can attract mice.
• Remove clutter: Mice love hiding in cluttered areas, so keep your home clean and organized to reduce potential hiding spots.

What Problems Do Mice Cause in Your Home?

Be aware of the issues that mice bring with them:

• Contaminating food: Mice are notorious for chewing through packages and contaminating stored food items.
• Spreading diseases: Mice carry a variety of diseases and can spread them through their droppings, urine, and saliva.
• Damaging property: Mice have a tendency to gnaw on wires, insulation, and other materials, potentially causing electrical problems or structural damage.
• Reproducing rapidly: Mice have a short gestation period and can reproduce quickly, leading to a larger infestation if not dealt with promptly.

How Can You Get Rid of Mice Currently In Your Home?

This might feel daunting, but it is possible.

• Set traps: Place snap traps or humane traps in areas where you have seen signs of mice activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks.
• Use bait: Peanut butter or chocolate can be effective bait for attracting mice to the traps.
• Check traps regularly: Check the traps daily and remove any captured mice. 
• Clean and disinfect affected areas: Use a disinfectant to clean any areas where mice have been, paying close attention to their droppings and urine.
• Seal entry points: Once you have eliminated the mice, seal any entry points to prevent new ones from entering your home.
• Dispose of mice properly: Wear gloves and place captured mice in sealed plastic bags before disposing of them in an outdoor trash bin.

Does that sound like way more work that you're willing to do? Does the thought of figuring out how to set traps worry you? Does the notion of disposing of dead rodents fill you with dread? A pest control management company can assist you in preventing or dealing with a mouse infestation. 

What Does a Pest Control Management Company Do?

Pest control can provide many methods of mouse control:

• Inspection and identification: A professional pest control technician will conduct a thorough inspection of the property to identify entry points and determine the extent of the infestation.
• Exclusion and sealing: Once entry points have been identified, the pest control company will seal off these areas to prevent mice from entering. This may involve patching holes, caulking gaps, or installing mesh screens.
• Trapping and removal: Traps and bait stations will be strategically placed to capture and eliminate mice. The pest control technician will regularly check and maintain these traps until the infestation is under control.
• Sanitation and cleanup: The pest control company will provide guidance on proper cleanup and sanitation measures to eliminate any remaining traces of mice and prevent future infestations. This may involve disposing of contaminated food, vacuuming droppings, and disinfecting affected areas.
• Preventive measures: Pest control management companies can provide recommendations on preventive measures to keep mice out of the home. This may include sealing gaps, storing food properly, and eliminating potential food sources. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help identify and address any new entry points or signs of infestation.

Homeowners in the 7-County Metro Area who want to ensure their home stays rodent-free this winter should contact Paffys Pest Control today to schedule an appointment. Get in touch today.