Despite the area’s natural beauty, homeowners in Niagara are not exempt from the risk of rodent infestations. Mice can wreak havoc in unsuspecting homes in a short amount of time. They may gnaw on furniture, chew through electrical lines and contaminate food items. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make your space less inviting to rodents. Consider several areas of your home that may require a few modifications to keep these unwanted visitors at bay.

The Kitchen

As you may surmise, mice are attracted to areas that offer easy access to food. Because mice are opportunistic, eating practically anything they can find, it’s important to keep your kitchen clean and free of tempting snacks. Be sure to keep your trash can covered and store all food in airtight containers. Additionally, remember to remove crumbs from your floors and counters and to avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink for extended periods of time.

Bedrooms

Though your bedroom may not have much to offer mice in the way of food or water, it could be an ideal place for these critters to nest or hide. Try to reduce the number of materials you leave on your floor, including papers, boxes, clothing and other items. If mice cannot find a safe, secluded space to stay in, they may decide to leave and look for a home elsewhere.

Pet Areas

Mice are not above consuming your pet’s food or waste. For this reason, it is helpful to carefully clean up after your pet. Consider establishing a regular mealtime routine with animals rather than leaving food to sit in their bowls all day. It’s also important to pick up pet waste, even if it’s in the grass near your home.

Don’t forget to consider other animals you interact with, such as birds. Seal up containers of food you use to feed wildlife. If you have had a rodent infestation in the past, be sure to thoroughly eliminate any odours the critters may have left behind so others aren’t attracted to the smell.

Entryways

The more difficult it is for rodents to enter your home the better. Be sure to examine potential entry points on your home’s exterior walls. Consider adding new weatherstripping around your doors or resealing your windows to eliminate gaps. Additionally, fill in any holes you see around your siding or foundation, no matter how small.

Plumbing

Mice must have consistent access to water to thrive in an area. They may find this water in the form of a pet bowl, a dripping faucet or a leaking pipe. For this reason, it’s critical that you eliminate as many potential water sources as possible. Try fixing leaky pipes and minimizing the number of pet water bowls you leave out. 

Outdoors

Before rodents enter your home, they must be drawn to your yard. Standing water, pet waste, compost heaps and clutter can all be particularly inviting to a mouse. Consider addressing drainage issues, picking up pet waste and keeping biodegradable materials far away from your siding.

While it is not possible to make your home entirely mouse-proof, there are multiple ways you can decrease the chance of the critters hanging around your space. By keeping your living areas tidy and well-maintained, you could prevent an infestation altogether.

If despite your best efforts, rodents settle down in your home, it’s time to seek out professional help with mice removal in Niagara. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we offer mice removal services that efficiently and effectively get rid of mice without using any poisons. You can count on us to provide a thorough resolution to the pest problem, even taking steps to decontaminate your space and prevent future infestations. Give us a call today to learn more.