Not all pest control issues are about insects. Dealing with rodent and other larger vermin can be just as big a battle for the typical homeowner.
Companies that do pest control, Connecticut to Los Angeles, all know how big a problem mice can be. Mice are probably the worst, and it can be a complete and utter frustration to deal with them. The first big question most people have is “how are they getting into my house?”
Entry Points
The first thing you need to understand about mice is that they can squeeze through tiny spaces like you can’t believe. In order to eliminate their access points, you have to be looking at the right scale of hole. And for an adult mouse, that’s any open space that is just a mere 1/4 of an inch.
To try and narrow down all the places a mouse might sneak in, is impossible. They can and will take advantage of every tiny gap anywhere in your home. Places along ground level are the most likely culprits, but if mice are crawling around under the siding, they can easily get higher up and find holes in second-story walls or even around the attic.
Another thing to look out for is a lot of debris in your yard. Mice don’t like to run around exposed, and will dart from cover to cover as they navigate around the yard. Keeping wood piles, furniture, toys, or junk away from the house will keep mice from exploring too closely.
Blocking Entrance
If you do find a hole, you’ll want to seal it up quickly. Wood is a good temporary solution but mice will chew a new hole with remarkable speed, especially if they have been using the old hole for a long time and are used to it. Thin sheet metal or window screen (metal, not fiberglass) also works to cover up holes or block entry points.
They’re Already There
Well, they must have gotten into the house at some point, but you also need to consider that they are simply already there. If you are now finding signs of mice, and can’t figure out their entry, there may not be one anymore. Mice can survive and breed undetected for a long time, and just because you see them now, doesn’t mean they are just arriving.
It doesn’t change your pest situation though. Just don’t go crazy trying to find that hole. It might not actually be there. Focus on eliminating the mice in the house, even if you can’t find an outside hole.
A Little Prevention
Even when there are gaps and holes in your home, mice tend to only come in when there is an appealing environment. That means, they are going to be after shelter and food. There isn’t much you can do about making your home less sheltering, but you can take steps to eliminate any food availability. Don’t leave unprotected food out, and try not to store anything in paper or cardboard packaging that is easily chewed through.
It’s bad enough that they manage to get in, you don’t want them to be comfortable while they’re in your house.