During the cold winter months, mice that are normally happy to remain outside may seek shelter in a warm attic, basement or garage. There are several strategies to deal with an infestation, ranging from traps to repellent to prevention. However, many of these techniques are ineffective and inhumane. Preventing mice from entering your home in the first place is the only genuinely effective Durham wildlife removal method. Here’s what you need to know about identifying mice infestations, eliminating them and preventing mice from returning:

How Do I Identify an Infestation? 

• Droppings: Mice droppings are not only detrimental to human and pet health, but they are also one of the first signs of an infestation. Droppings are typically found near nests, so use caution if you spot a hole near the feces. You should always wear protective equipment, including a mask and gloves, to discard any feces located.
• Tracks: Tracks can be found in a garage if you have any dust or mud in the space. If you notice droppings or holes next to the tracks, you can deduct that you have found the source of your mouse infestation.
• Sounds: Mice are active at night and it is common to hear mice running across cupboards, tile flooring or cement floors. The sounds you hear may vary from mouse squeaks to scurrying.
• Nests: To locate a nest, you first need to find the hole. Nests are often found in drawers, secluded corners, cabinets and unsecured doors. If a mouse nest is located, you should call a Durham wildlife removal specialist.

How Can I Prevent Mice? 

Mice will not enter a garage that is unsuitable for habitation. The best way to keep mice out of your garage is to eliminate the conditions they find appealing so they will not enter your home in the first place. The first thing you will want to do is inspect the garage’s perimeter and seal off any entry points a mouse may use. Mice can squeeze through tiny openings, so you need to cover up even the smallest of holes. Use steel wool for holes you cannot cover up using traditional plugs. Mice are adept climbers and may be able to enter your garage through windows or other openings off the ground. Therefore, ensure the weather stripping around all windows is tight. You may want to reinforce weak stripping with an extra layer or two.

Mice love to enter garages that are cluttered and disorganized because it gives them lots of places to hide. Keep all areas of the garage tidy and make sure all items are stored in strong plastic containers that mice cannot chew through. You also need to remove any food sources inside the garage, such as food storage or pet food. It is also smart to remove stacks of firewood or elevate them a few feet off the ground because mice love to seek refuge in piles of wood. Finally, you may want to add a heavy strip of gravel around the perimeter of the garage to prevent mice from burrowing.

Work With a Specialist 

Making your garage unappealing to mice is the best way to keep them out. However, sometimes you cannot prevent all mice infestations from occurring no matter the prevention tactics you take. If you have a mouse problem on your hands, you should call a Durham wildlife removal specialist. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is committed to using humane tactics to rid your garage of infestations. Our company specializes in removing various wildlife types, including rodents, skunks, birds, raccoons and squirrels, using non-lethal tactics. You should never attempt to remove or handle wildlife without the help of an expert. Contact us to schedule a home inspection.