Fighting Mouse Infestation: 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make

You find their droppings on your counter or in your pantry. You find food packages with gnaw marks. There’s no denying it: even if you haven’t actually seen a mouse, you’ve got a mouse. And when you have one mouse, chances are you have many.

Don’t make the common mistakes many homeowners make, from not storing food properly to not using a live mouse trap.

Many of the following tips can be helpful when dealing with other animal intruders too. Steps you take to fight or prevent a mouse infestation can also be good for chipmunk control.

Mistake #1: Not Using Glass Jars, Metal Canisters or Other Airtight Containers

While it may be easier to stick a clip on the chip bag and put it back in the cupboard, it’s not worth it in the end if you’ve got a mouse problem.

Get yourself a variety of airtight containers to store all grains and meat products. Make sure you inform your family members of the new way to store food. If you have enough containers, and keep them in an easy-to-grab location, it will soon become second nature to use them.

Mistake #2: Leaving Crumbs on Counters

A crumby counter can be a smorgasbord for mice. Although by wiping off your counters regularly you won’t get rid of the mice you have, you will cut off their food supply, ultimately reducing their numbers. And clean counters don’t attract mice.

While you’re wiping your counters down regularly, be sure to sweep your floors often as well.

Mistake #3: Not Removing Mice with a Live Mouse Trap

One of the safest and most humane ways to get rid of mice in your house is by using a live mouse trap. You can use a live mouse trap to catch mice and put them back in their own environment.

When placing live mouse traps, put them along a wall or other barrier as mice travel along walls. Live mouse traps should be set before going to bed and checked early in the morning so that removal can be made safely for the mouse.

Mistake #4: Leaving Holes Unsealed

Sealing all holes larger than ¼ inch ensures mice won’t be able to get into your home. Here are some tips on sealing holes and cracks in your house:

• Try steel wool mixed with caulk to plug up holes
• Make sure the patching material is smooth on the surface: this prevents mice from pulling it out or chewing through the patch
• Check to make sure window and door screens are tight
• Check building foundations and seal any cracks and openings
• Seal any openings for water pipes, utilities and vents

Mistake #5: Sealing Holes with Gnawable Material

It’s good you’re taking the steps to seal holes and cracks in your home. But don’t make your efforts futile by using gnawable materials, such as:

• Plastic sheeting
• Spray-foam insulation
• Mesh screening
• Wood
• Rubber

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Now that you’ve gotten more information about fighting mouse infestation or mouse control, including using a live mouse trap, your next step might be to learn about ways to control common outdoor nuisance animals, like a groundhog trap. Post written by guest blogger Michelle Anderson.

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Fighting Mouse Infestations: 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make