Tip 1: Clean up!
When looking to protect the inside of your home, keep your kitchen and home clear of food items and dirty plates left out. Stagnant water is also an attraction for mice and other rodents. It might be a smart to dump the dogs water bowl out each night as this is when they are most active and running around. For the outside of your home, clear away overgrowth, vegetation and trash, those things can attract rodents looking for food and shelter. Remember that pests attract other pests!
Tip 2: Seal up!
Try to close all openings around and in your home using materials that cannot be nibbled by mice or other rodents. Don’t underestimate the smaller holes, a mouse can enter an opening the width of your finger and insects can get into even smaller spaces. In that case, prevention never hurts and sealing these openings can avoid pests from moving around your home easily.
Tip 3: Monitor!
You may not see mice and rodents in your home but that does not mean they are not there. They can often be found by their droppings. Keep an eye out for small droppings likely in your kitchen or pantry area as this is where their food source is. You will also likely hear them. If you hear faint scratching or movement in areas that do not render movement normally you might have a mouse problem! Say you hear scuffling behind your oven.. this definitely isn't the kids! Call an exterminator and start sealing your home up properly.
Tip 4: Winterize!
The main cause of these intrusions are animals looking to get in from the cold. Just like you they are looking for food and warmth. Winterizing your home will help with this. Resealing windows and doors, winterizing your swamp cooler, and ensuring all vents are covered to the outside will not only help you stay warm but will prevent future problems with rodents.
Tip 5:Extract Immediately!
Remember that pests attract other pests! If you know you have a mouse issue in your home call your exterminator immediately. They have humane ways of disposing of these animals and will also show you where they are possibly getting into your home if you do not already know.
Remember, mice in your home can not only be a health issue but a safety issue! Electrical wire damage is neither good for you or the little mouse chewing on them! Keep your homes internal wiring safe by getting ahead of these issues before they happen. With these tips you should have a calm and quiet Christmas season!