Fall and winter are prime time for rodents to seek out warm, cozy homes. As long as there are no mice in your home, it’s never too late to start mouse-proofing. Here’s what you need to know about those pesky small creatures and how to get rid of them.
1. Use a natural predator
You might want to consider getting a cat or rat terrier. Getting a cat is by far the most effective way to tell mice they are not welcome. Cats love catching mice. Almost all cats enjoy eating mice. It won’t take long for a good mouser to remove your mouse population and discourage any new ones from moving in.
2. Use old-fashioned snap traps
With such a cheap trap, the mice will have a quick end, and the trap can be thrown away along with it. Although they seem cruel, they kill mice quickly and are much safer than poison if you have small children or pets. Furthermore, a dead mouse cannot crawl into your walls and die, causing a foul odor that can linger for weeks.
3. Peppermint oil
Try peppermint oil as a repellent. Try soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them strategically in your home. Mice dislike peppermint oil’s smell. The oil of peppermint is not poisonous, however; it is a repellent. Mice will try to avoid it.
4. Try ultrasonic repellent machines
Mice can be annoyed and scared off with ultrasonic repellents, which use small beeps. Another advantage is that they are not harmful to other pets, such as cats and dogs. It is controversial, however, whether they are effective. According to some experts, mice get used to the beeps after a short time, making them less effective.
5. Mice repellents
▪ Freshen up your cabinets and closets by planting mint around windows and doors or by using mint sachets.
▪ Bay leaves are also known to repel mice. Sprinkle crushed leaves around your house or tuck whole leaves into cupboards and pantry corners.
▪ There is no doubt that mothballs are effective repellents, but they are toxic and can cause problems for children and pets. You should think twice before using this method since naphthene is a pesticide and sublimates easily. Aside from their higher cost, mothballs need to be replaced frequently when they sublimate, and they are not as eco-friendly as herbs or essential oils made from herbs.
