How to Keep Mice Out of House in Winter
Mice in your home is incredibly annoying, not to mention dangerous. Nobody wants these pests sneaking around their house, ruining food and furniture. And as winter approaches, the risk of mice entering your residence increases due to the colder temperatures outside, making it difficult for them to survive on their own.
Learn how to take necessary precautions now so that you don’t have a mouse problem this cold season. In this blog post, we will review effective strategies on how to keep mice out of house in winter that you can use to keep mice out of your house during the winter months, so read on!
What Repels Mice from Your House?
There are some substances that have been known to repel mice from entering a house. Common deterrents include peppermint oil, ammonia, cayenne pepper, and garlic. Peppermint oil is said to have a strong scent that attracts rodents away from your home, while the smell of ammonia can also be effective in deterring them.
Cayenne pepper has a spicy odor and taste that deters mice when sprinkled around areas you think they might enter from. Finally, placing cloves of garlic in certain areas near entrances to your home may act as an all-natural mouse repellent.
However, it’s important to remember that these methods may not always work perfectly or immediately – so it’s best to combine these with other strategies like sealing up any entry points.
Another preventative measure you can take to repel mice from your home is to limit their access to food and water sources. Make sure that all crumbs are cleaned up regularly, keep pet food sealed and stored away in a mouse-proof container, and make sure any outdoor garbage cans are covered tightly.
In addition, fix any leaky pipes or fixtures around the house – as even small amounts of standing water can attract rodents. By following these tips and tightening up your home against potential entrances, you’ll be much better prepared to keep mice away this winter season!
10 Methods How to Keep Mice Out of House in Winter
1. Use a Mouse Trap
One of the most effective ways to keep mice out of your house is to use a mouse trap. Mouse traps come in a variety of different designs, but the most common type is the snap trap, which consists of a wire or plastic platform with a spring-loaded bar that snaps shut when a mouse steps on it. This kills the mouse instantly.
Make sure to set the trap in areas where you have seen signs of mice, such as along walls, behind appliances, and underneath furniture. While mouse traps can be an effective way of getting rid of mice, they should be used with caution, as they can also cause harm to pets and children.
2. Use Mouse Poison
Another way to keep mice out of your house is to use mouse poison. Mouse poison is a rodenticide that is designed to kill mice. It works by causing internal bleeding in the mouse, which leads to death. Mouse poison is available in both pellet and liquid form and can be purchased at most hardware stores. When using mouse poison, it’s important to keep it out of the reach of children and pets. If you have young children or pets in your home, it’s best to avoid using mouse poison altogether.
3. Block Their Entry Points
Mice can enter your house through some very small openings, so it’s important to block their entry points. Inspect the exterior of your house and look for any cracks or holes that could be used as an entry point. Once you’ve found them, seal them up with steel wool or caulk. Pay special attention to the area around pipes and wiring, as these are common entry points. You can also use mesh screening over vents and chimneys to keep mice from entering.
4. Keep Your House Clean
A clean house is less likely to attract mice than a dirty one. Mice are attracted to food sources, so be sure to keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs. You should also make sure to keep all food in sealed containers. You may also want to consider investing in mouse-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Additionally, you should regularly vacuum and mop your floors, as well as dust and wipe down any surfaces.
5. Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural repellent for mice. Simply soak some cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your house in areas where you think mice might be present. The strong scent of the peppermint oil will deter mice from entering those areas. You can also purchase peppermint oil and spray it around the perimeter of your home. This is an effective way to keep mice out of your house during the winter season.
6. Get a Cat
Cats are natural predators of mice, so having one in your home will help to keep the mouse population down. If you don’t want to get a cat, you can also try borrowing one from a friend or neighbor for a short period of time. Make sure to always keep the cat indoors, however, as it can be dangerous for cats to wander around outdoors in winter. If you do decide to get a cat, make sure to provide it with a comfortable living environment, such as scratching posts and toys, that will keep it entertained.
7. Use Ultrasonic Repellents
Ultrasonic repellents emit high-frequency sound waves that are undetectable to humans but very irritating to animals like mice. These devices can be plugged into an outlet and placed around your home in areas where you think mice might be present. They operate 24 hours a day and can be effective for up to an 8-week period. Be sure to check the product labels and instructions before placing the device, as some brands may be harmful to pets and children.
8. Spread Ammonia
Mice are highly sensitive to strong odors like ammonia. To use this method, mix one-part ammonia with four parts water and use a spray bottle to mist the areas where you suspect mice are getting into your house. Make sure to only apply this solution in areas where pets and children cannot access it.
Additionally, it’s not recommended to pour the mixture directly onto fabrics or carpets, as this could cause harm. Instead, spray it around crevices and openings where mice may be entering your home. This should help to keep them away in the winter months.
9. Use Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has a spicy odor and taste that deters mice when sprinkled around areas you think they might enter from. Too much pepper might be overpowering for humans, but it will keep mice away due to its strong scent and taste. Just dust the cayenne pepper in the corners of your home, near window sills, or other areas where mice may try to enter. Be sure to reapply it every few weeks for maximum effectiveness.
10. Use Garlic
Finally, placing cloves of garlic in certain areas near entrances to your home may act as an all-natural mouse repellent. Mice are strongly repelled by the pungent scent of garlic, so it is wise to use this natural solution as an added layer of protection against unwanted visitors.
Additionally, you may also want to consider using peppermint oil and borax in combination with garlic to maximize its effectiveness as a repellent. In addition to being an excellent natural repellent, garlic is also an inexpensive and easy-to-find item in most grocery stores.
Things to Consider When Keep Mice Out of House in Winter
1. Check All Windows and Doors for Gaps or Cracks.
Mice can squeeze through very small openings, so it’s important to inspect all of your windows and doors for any gaps that could provide an entry point. Make sure to fill in any cracks or crevices you find with silicone caulk, steel wool, or other materials designed to block small openings.
2. Seal Off Potential Entry Points from the Outside.
Inspect and seal off areas where pipes, wires, vents, or other objects enter the home from the outside. If possible, try to cover these points with metal mesh or another material that a mouse won’t be able to chew through.
3. Limit Access to Food Sources Inside Your Home.
Keeping mice out starts from within your home: make sure there is no easy access to food sources like pet food bowls, pantries, and kitchen counters. Store food in sealed plastic or glass containers that mice won’t be able to chew through.
Conclusion
Winter is a popular season for mice to come looking for warmth and food, but that doesn’t mean you need to put up with them.
By assessing where they’re entering your home and removing any potential food sources, you can easily deter them from taking up residence. We hope this guide on how to keep mice out of house in winter was helpful. Please share it with your friends on social media if you find it useful. And be sure to check back here soon for more informative guides like this one.
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth is a creative writer and digital editor based in the United States. She has a passion for the arts and crafts, which she developed from a young age. Elizabeth has always loved experimenting with new mediums and sharing her work with others. When she started blogging, she knew that DIYquickly would be the perfect platform to share her tutorials and tips. She's been writing for the blog from the beginning, and her readers love her helpful advice and easy-to-follow instructions. When she's not writing or editing, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
