3 in 10 homes will experience a rodent infestation, which explains why so many homeowners are wondering how to get rid of mice fast.
The moment you notice that you have mice, your mind starts to race. How did we end up with an infestation? While the most common reason is food left out in access, having mice doesn’t mean you’re not taking care of your home.
Other reasons a mouse infestation can occur include construction around the home pushing the mice to find shelter, areas around the house such as firewood piles or shrubs that make good homes for rodents, or the presence of an exterior predator like a hawk.
5 Tips on How to Get Rid of Mice
Here we’ve gathered our top 5 tips on getting rid of mice. Read on to find the right choice for your rodent problem.
1. Time to Buy a Cat
First, it’s important to know that mice won’t stay where they don’t feel safe. Mice and rats are constantly seeking shelter, from both the elements and other predators. By introducing a cat to your home, there is a good chance the mice will leave on their own.
If not, your cat is naturally programmed to “handle” the problem. Just remember to purchase a female cat, as they are generally better at hunting.
2. Pick the Right Oils
That’s right, essential oils can even help you get rid of mice. The important thing is to buy the right kind of oils. Mice are deterred by the smell of peppermint oil and clove, so they are solid choices to start.
To clear a mouse problem, it will take more than your diffuser. You’ll want to put plenty of oils on cotton balls and leave them in areas where you typically see the mice.
3. Go with Hot Pepper
For many, buying poison and rat traps seem like the natural choice. However, if you have small children or pets, this choice can be life-threatening. Using this hot pepper trick is a safe alternative to help get rid of your mice.
Make a hot pepper mix and spray it in spots where only mice can get too, like tight corner kitchens or behind the fridge.
4. Purchase Steel Wool
If you know where the mice are coming in from, you want to be sure to try and block or fill the space as much as possible. Some people turn to duck tape to do the trick, but depending on the size of the mouse this may not be sturdy enough.
Instead, try filling the space with steel wool that will scratch and irritate the mice when they attempt to push through.
5. Call an Exterminator
If all of these tips fail, or your mouse infestation is just too big for you to handle, then it may be time to call for an emergency pest removal.
Exterminators will be able to remove your infestation in an effective way and help ensure that they don’t return.
Preventing the Problem from Occurring
When it comes to knowing how to get rid of mice, you may want to start with preventative actions. Try organizing your home and looking for any potential “nesting” areas with outside entrance.
We suggest reading our article on garage storage hacks to tackle one of the most frequently infested areas of the house.
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