Most home owners have mice and voles that surround their homes and they don’t even know if. Preventing mice from entering your home begins with eliminating the opportunities that attract them in the first place. Start by keeping food securely stored in airtight containers and cleaning up crumbs, spills, and clutter that could serve as food sources. Regularly take out the trash and ensure bins have tight-fitting lids. Maintaining a clean environment reduces the likelihood that mice will see your home as a suitable shelter.
The next major step is sealing entry points. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, so inspect your home carefully—both inside and out. Be sure to check the areas where utility pipes enter the house. Look for gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, foundations, and vents. Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to block holes, as mice can easily chew through softer materials. Pay special attention to basements, attics, and garages, which are common access points.
Good home maintenance also helps discourage rodents. Keep firewood, compost piles, and dense vegetation away from your house to reduce nesting areas. Trim shrubs, mow grass regularly, and eliminate debris near your foundation. Inside, organize storage areas with sealed bins instead of cardboard boxes, which mice often chew and nest in. The fewer hiding spots they find, the less likely they’ll settle in.
Finally, consider defense measures that add extra protection. Use preventative measures such as mouse stations and traps. Installing door sweeps on exterior doors, using screens on vents, and setting preventive traps in high-risk areas can help catch early intruders. If you notice signs of mice—such as droppings, burrowing marks in the mulch, gnaw marks, or scratching sounds—act quickly to prevent an infestation from spreading. With consistent maintenance and proactive steps, you can greatly reduce the chances of mice making your home theirs.
Please call Fox Valley Mosquito and Tick with any questions regarding mouse and vole prevention. Our professional technicians have the solution for your mouse and vole issues.
