Tips for Preventing Mice Infestations

Do you have a mouse in the house? If so, watch out! Mice reproduce rapidly; one happy couple can make over 100 babies. A mouse here and there can quickly become an army of pesky rodents. Here are some signs of a mice infestation:

• Holes chewed through packaged food
• Droppings
• Noises behind walls or ceilings
• Holes in the wall

How Can I Get Rid Of Mice?

1. Mice want a reliable source of food, so keep trash containers covered, put dry goods in plastic containers, don’t leave food on the counters and keep crumbs off the floor.
2. Eliminate clutter where mice can hide, nest and breed.
3. Seal all holes on the outside of your home with steel wool or caulk.
4. Don’t let rubbish or compost accumulate in your yard.
5. Set bated mouse traps.
6. Invest in a trap that lures mice into a cage and then administers an electric shock.
7. Grow mint in your yard and place mint-soaked cotton balls along with your indoor walls. Mice don’t like mint and might decide to leave.
8. Purchase catch-traps and dispose of mice in a remote location.
9. Invest in a mouse beeper. It emits a frequency that mice don’t like, but you and your pets won’t hear it.
10. Seal holes in screens, install door sweeps on outside doors and screen chimney vents.
11. Keep your indoor space dry and well-ventilated.

When Should I Call For Pest Control?

These tips are more about prevention than cure. If your Danville, IL, home already has a rodent infestation, it’s time to get professional help. Mice can cause electrical fires by gnawing on wires, and they often carry bacteria and viruses.