Homeowners need to ensure they are safe from the looming threat of mice and other rodents during the fall and winter months. As temperatures begin to drop, these resourceful pests will squeeze through the tiniest hole, searching for food, warmth, and shelter. In fact, most species of mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a nickel.
Emtec Pest Control understands how important rodent control is during the colder months. While working with a professional is always the best approach to deal with a rodent infestation before breeding gets out of hand, we know that many Oklahomans will prefer to try and get rid of these annoying guests on their own. This article will explore some of the common tips and tricks to remove mice from a house successfully.
Determine How Mice Get Indoors
Even a small home will have various potential entry points rodents can utilize. Some of the most common entry points include cracks or holes that appear in doorframes, windows, foundations, attics, vents, chimneys, garage doors, and many more. Unfortunately, there are few places around a home that will stay secure for long without maintenance and sharp attention to detail. Filling these holes with caulk or another approved sealant will limit opportunities for mice to come inside.
While this will not help remove mice already indoors, it will ensure that others do not come in during the rest of the winter. That means that a homeowner will only need to focus on the current problem at hand and not the ongoing battle throughout the entirety of the season if this step is overlooked. Remember, the most potent offense against a rodent infestation is a great defense that keeps reinforcements from arriving.
Remove Potential Food and Water Sources
Mice will thrive when they have access to food and water. Limiting their access to these two things will not only make them feel uncomfortable living inside of your home, but it will also hinder their ability to mate successfully and increase their population. For this reason, keeping your kitchen areas clean and pinpointing any leaks in bathrooms is critical for controlling rodent populations.
Any pantry-stored food should be transferred to secure containers – often taking the form of glass mason jars, air-tight Tupperware, or other “pest-proof” container options. Because kitchens can often contain crumbs on the countertops and floors, regularly sweeping, mopping, and cleaning surfaces is critical for maintaining a home that is not shared with mice.
Utilize Mouse Traps as a Last Resort
Conventional mouse traps have been used as a remedy for unwanted rodents for ages. Unfortunately, we now know that many of these traps are inhumane because of the way they dispose of mice and are often not effective at killing the mouse. This means that the rodent is left to struggle for its life for an extended period after being snared – even though they were only hoping for a meal from the bait that was used.
At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.
If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.