Gaining Access From the Roof
There is a common misperception that mice like to stick to lower areas. When you watch cartoons, you always see the clearly defined mouse hole in the baseboards. Unfortunately, mice are adept at climbing and finding inconspicuous places to enter your property. One often overlooked area is the roof. Mice can find their way into your attic space between vents, chimneys, and minor imperfections. The animal can make its way through wall cavities from the attic to access nearly any room in your house. To protect your roof, consult with a wildlife expert. Ask them about different tools to protect your interior. For instance, you might use a fine wire mesh over vents or chimneys. However, make sure the mesh is tightly woven.Squeezing Through Other Vulnerable Entry Points
No exterior area of your house is free of exploration and potential manipulation. Mice can squeeze through cracks in the foundation, poorly sealed plumbing holes, holes in window screens, etc. Protecting your property against a mouse infestation requires maintenance and upkeep. You need to walk your property with an eagle eye. Look for tiny openings. Inspect window and door seals. Ensure all screens are intact and set in.Traversing the Interior Through Walls and Ductwork
Mice are not obvious about traveling to your home. The critters use wall cavities, ductwork, and other channels to find their way to food and water. Additionally, the animals are nocturnal, so you will not likely see them scurrying across the floor. Still, if you do see a mouse, know that there are probably more in the walls, attic, and basement. Mice multiply incredibly fast. Within a single year, you can see a population increase from two mice to hundreds or more.Preventing Mice From Gaining Entry
A guaranteed prevention strategy likely doesn't exist. Still, there are ways to significantly reduce the risks of an infestation, including:- Sealing all vulnerable openings
- Sweeping and vacuuming regularly
- Washing dishes after every meal
- Keeping pet food indoors and in sealed containers
- Using trash bins with a tight-fitting lid
- Storing trash bins in a garage or shed