Noticing mice in the house can be quite upsetting. These creatures are tiny, but they can cause big trouble by chewing wires, contaminating food, and spreading dirt all around. If you spot a mouse, there are chances that more mice are hiding somewhere. But the positive thing is you can easily handle this issue with a few simple steps, without calling the pest experts. In this article, we will discuss some easy and simple ways to get rid of mice and keep your house clean and worry-free.
Understand the Behaviour of Mice
Before knowing how to get rid of mice naturally, it's good to understand their habits and behaviour. For mice, two things are most valuable to them- their nest and their food source. They usually shuffle between two food sources within a range of about 10-50 feet. They mostly build their nests inside the walls or in other quiet places. They love grains and fruits the most, but they eat almost anything they find. They can even chew through cardboard and plastic to reach food.
What Damage Can a Mouse Cause?
Mice can damage your property by chewing through wires, insulation, and wallboards. They even feed on the food items stored in your cupboards, and if you eat food that is contaminated by mice, you can fall sick. A mouse bite can also transmit diseases. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is another disease caused by the inhalation of dried droppings of the deer mouse and not from the house mice that are found indoors.
Get Rid of Mice Using a Mouse Trap
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Using a mousetrap is an efficient, gentle, and practical way to trap a mouse. Most catch-and-release traps have a closed end with a detachable compartment.
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You just need to put in some attractive bait, like peanut butter. The trap has a door with a spring that stays open when you set it. The mouse goes in through the door to reach the bait.
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You might need to push or pull a part of the device to set the trap.
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Once the trap is set, place it in the suspected infested areas.
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The mouse will get attracted to the scent and enter the trap.
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As it enters , the spring activates, the door closes, and the mouse is trapped inside.
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Make sure to wear rubber gloves when handling the trap, as the trap may scare the mouse and cause it to urinate.
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Carefully take this trap outdoors and let the mouse go.
Food is important to mice, so they can return. Make sure to release them at least 10 miles from your home. Never let the mouse stay in the trap for too long, as they can starve with no access to food and water.
Use Natural Repellents to Get Rid of Mice
Cinnamon
The strong smell of cinnamon helps naturally keep mice away. Just sprinkle ground cinnamon or use cinnamon sticks near the entry points and suspected corners.
White Vinegar
The strong smell of white vinegar also repels mice, so spray a vinegar-water solution around entry points to prevent mice from invading your home again.
Peppermint Oil
Mice hate the smell of peppermint oil, so use it to keep them away. Merely soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around entry points to keep mice away naturally.
Ammonia
Mice can't stand the strong smell of ammonia. To them, it smells like a predator's urine. Its odor helps keep mice away naturally.
Capsaicin
Mice hate the spicy smell of capsaicin found in cayenne, jalapeno, and chilli peppers. To keep mice away, sprinkle it carefully in areas where they roam.
There are numerous other natural repellents for mice, such as Epsom salt, Eucalyptus oil, and cedarwood oil. You can even use garlic and onion as a natural repellent for mice in your home. But unappealing smells are just one method to repel mice. Experts say that you must combine this method with other mouse-prevention methods for the best results.
Other Methods to Get Rid of Mice
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Seal Cracks and Holes: Close any small openings in walls and floors from where mice can enter your home.
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Fix Leaks: Though mice can survive on as little water as about 1/20 oz. per day, which they can get from food, they still check water pipes and drains for leaks and make repairs.
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Use Traps: Set traps to catch mice safely and release them outside.
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Keep Food Sealed: Store grains, snacks, and pet foods in air-tight containers so mice don't reach them.
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Clean Regularly: Clean your home and take out the trash daily to help prevent mice.
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Get a Cat: Cats can be a great deterrent if they're good at hunting.
Conclusion
Keeping your home mouse-free is a very simple task that can easily be done with natural repellents and regular cleaning. You can seal entry points and use safe remedies to get rid of mice from your home. Most of the time, pest control experts do not need to get rid of house mice. However, if you want permanent mouse prevention or are unsure you can handle it, you can call pest control professionals to tackle the problem.
