DIY Ways to Keep a Mouse out of Your House

Iowa’s winters are frigid. It’s true for human residents as well as pests, particularly rodents, who try to get into homes to warm up and gain access to food. At Springer Professional Home Services, our skilled rodent exterminators can get rid of any size or type of infestation. But if you were able to keep mice out in the first place, wouldn’t that be better? Here are some methods you can try to help keep your home pest-free* this winter. Please note, however, that DIY pest control is not as effective as professional pest control. But if you’re not ready to call an exterminator or want to wait until you’ve tried everything yourself, here are some techniques to consider.

Non-toxic, DIY Rodent Repellents

Here are four common methods for keeping mice and other rodents away using common household items:

Peppermint oil: Mice don’t like the smell of peppermint. In order to keep them from entering, you can put a few drops of the oil on cotton balls, and then place them near any potential access points or attractants, like unsealed food. Even better, you can plant mint along the perimeter of your property to act as a natural barrier!

Another odor mice dislike is apple cider vinegar. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and spray it once a month along the perimeter of your home and around potential access points.

Steel wool: Thanks to their strong incisors, mice can chew through many materials. But research shows that they’re unable to bite through steel wool. If you use it to fill potential entry points, it will prevent them from entering your home.

Mice hate the scent of fabric softener sheets. Put one of the sheets inside any openings you find that you think could be entry points for a mouse. Bear in mind, they can squeeze through an opening with a diameter of only ¼ inch. 

Ways to Keep Rodents Out

Mice want what any mammal wants when it’s cold out: food, shelter, and warmth. If you have them, they’ll try to get in however they can. Let’s review some methods you can use to keep rodents from getting into your property:

• Check your home’s interior frequently for evidence of mice, especially dark corners like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Locate every potential entry point on the exterior of your home and seal or treat it with the DIY methods above.
• Keep food in your home covered, sealed, and safely stored.
• Remove as much clutter as possible from your home, both inside and outside.

Mice won’t want to stay for very long if they don’t have easy access to food or a quiet, dark location to nest. Plus, as an added bonus, taking these actions will make your home tidier and more comfortable to live in.

If DIY Approaches Fail

Even if you follow all these steps, mice or rats might find their way into your home. If they do, Springer Professional Home Services can get them out. Since 1989, we’ve provided trusted extermination services to homes and businesses throughout Central Iowa. We can help rid your home of rodents or any other pests. Contact us today for a free consultation!