Each winter, it is estimated that more than 21 million homes in the United States will have a mice infestation. Mice typically invade homes between the months of October and February, searching for water, food and shelter from the cold. However, in this article, we will teach you 8 tips that will work to prevent mice from entering your home.

1. Seal Up Your Home As Much As Possible

Using ‘rodent-proof’ materials, seal up any holes or small openings around the exterior of your home. Pay close attention to vents, doors, windows and other areas that are prone to letting mice or other small critters inside.

2. Remove Food Sources That Are Outside Your Home

If you have fruit bearing trees, make sure to prune often and pick up fallen or rotten fruit so you will not draw in the attention of mice. If you have a garden, some plants in the mint family have been known to deter rodents. These methods can help to prevent mice and other rodents from coming around your home.

3. Clean Up Crumbs & Other Food Messes Around Your Home

This one may seem obvious, but leaving food out and around your home is sure to not only attract insects, but mice and other rodents, too. Simply making sure that old food is thrown away and everything else is properly stored can reduce the risk of attracting mice.

4. Keep Your Yard Clean

Clutter and mounds around your yard can create a great hiding place for mice and in turn, brings them closer to your home. Leaf, trash or mulch piles need to be at least 3 feet from any buildings or removed all together.

5. Check Your Home’s Foundation

Inspect the foundation around your home or basement to check for any holes or cracks. These are some of the easiest accesses and one of the most common ways for mice and other rodents to gain access into your home. Seal or replace any concerning areas, like loose mortar or weather stripping.

6. Check Items Being Brought Into Your Home

Oftentimes, when people are moving into a new home and are bringing in boxes that have been stored away for a long time, these boxes can sometimes be the carriers of mice and other small rodents. In saying so, be sure to inspect old boxes and other packages brought into your home.

7. Fix Leaky Pipes & Clogged Drains

‘Moisture sites’ like areas around leaky pipes and clogged drains can be prime breeding spots for mice. Being sure to check for and fix any of these problems can prevent mice from entering your home to breed. If not resolved, this could lead to a larger infestation problem down the road.

8. Call Varmint Gone and Let Us Do The ‘Dirty Work’

If you want to prevent mice from entering your home, the #1 tip we have is to give us a call. Varmint Gone Anchorage has specialized in rodent and varmint removal for over two decades. Our team of professionals know all the signs to look out for in order to spot an infestation and know all the preventative measures to take so your home is not the next victim of a mice infestation.

Safety Risks & What To Do Next

It is important to get rid of mice soon as possible in order to avoid property damage including chewed electrical wires and insulation damage, not to mention the severe health issues that can occur if they are around you and your family. Varmint Gone Anchorage identifies all entry points, evicts or exterminates any existing rodents and seals holes after we are certain all animals have been removed from your home or business.

Schedule an inspection with the specialists at Varmint Gone Anchorage to help assess your rodent situation!