How to Mice-Proof Your House for Winter

As the weather gets chilly, humans aren’t the only ones seeking warm shelter. Homeowners must prepare for mice in the winter because once they move in, it’s hard to get them out. Proof your house for mice in Central Illinois by following these simple tips.

Clear out the clutter

Attics and garages become graveyards for unwanted stuff. It’s like the saying goes: “Out of sight, out of mind.” Those boxes of old clothes and photo albums could be harboring tiny stowaways without you realizing it. Rats and mice favor spots uninhabited by humans so they can build their nests without being disturbed.

Prepare for mice in the winter in Central Illinois by sorting through cluttered areas of the house. Decide what to keep, donate or throw in the trash. Even if they’re not part of your regular living space, storage rooms must remain organized so little critters don’t try to claim your house as their own.

Seal food out of reach

Santa Claus will have to skip the milk and cookies this year. Rats and mice will make a meal out of anything you leave on kitchen countertops. Rodents are professional scavengers, detecting the smallest crumb left under your refrigerator. Proof your house for mice by tidying up after dinner and regularly sweeping the floors.

Also, make sure food in the fridge and pantry has a tight seal. Cereal boxes and potato chip bags provide easy access for rodents. Store food high off the ground in containers that require opposable thumbs to open. Leftovers should be put in food storage bins right away.

Fill in the gaps

The best way to proof your house for mice in Central Illinois is to block points of entry. Check the perimeter of your house for gaps more than a quarter of an inch wide. Common pathways for rodents include torn window screens, cracks in walls and the spaces around pipes. Thankfully, patching a hole is simple. Caulk and wire mesh are excellent materials for sealing entry points.

Also consider purchasing a brush strip for exterior doors. They’re easy to install and stop rodents from burrowing underneath, especially if your front door creates a large gap. Brush strips are also money savers because they help to seal heat inside your home.

Eliminate hiding places

Mice and rats could be lurking in your backyard. With fall in full swing, you probably have piles of raked leaves taking up space. Just like clutter inside the house, leaves and overgrowth are prime locations for rodents. Prepare for mice in the winter in Central Illinois by tackling weeds and trimming branches that hang close to your roof. Discourage unwelcomed visitors from taking up residence before the cold weather sets in.

Rodent prevention is key so little critters don’t run amok in your house. If your home is susceptible to rats and mice, don’t wait any longer. Speak with an expert at Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc. to learn how we can help. We’re local to Central Illinois and provide a variety of services for tackling unruly pests.

Categorised in: Rodent Control