While mice may seem cute and fuzzy, they are actually one of the most dangerous pests to find in your home. Not only can these rodents spoil your food and cause damage by chewing on everything, but they can also pose a major health risk. It’s important to keep your family safe from the plethora of diseases and problems that mice can cause.
But, how exactly does a rodent infestation start in the first place? Understanding why mice are attracted to your home is the first step in knowing how to keep these pests out. To help you protect your home and family, the rodent control experts at Interstate Pest Management have outlined some of the main reasons that mice invade homes.
What Brings Mice Into Your Home?
The easiest way to avoid a rodent infestation is to prevent pests from entering your home in the first place. To do so, however, you have to know why mice try so hard to get indoors. Here are some of the most common things that could be attracting mice to your home:
- Unattended food: It may not seem like a big deal to leave snacks out on the counter for a night or two. However, unattended food out in the open can quickly become a feast for mice. Storing food in airtight containers can prevent mice from scavenging through your kitchen for something to eat.
- Trash in the open: Though trash isn’t appetizing to us, it’s filled with great snacks for mice and other rodents. If you don’t properly dispose of your trash, it could become a food source for pests. We recommend promptly disposing of trash and keeping all garbage in a lidded bin.
- Moisture problems: Leaky pipes aren’t just a plumbing problem. Mice need a reliable water source to survive, so areas with leaks or drainage issues can easily become a breeding ground for these pests. Addressing any moisture issues in your home can deter mice from living in your house.
- Warmth and shelter: Mice are overwintering pests, which means they will try to find a warm place to stay when temperatures drop. That means fall is a prime time for these pests to invade, and it’s extra important to pest-proof your home before the cold season sets in.
- Cluttered spaces: Most mice like to stay out of sight, which means they prefer cluttered areas over clear spaces. Piles of clothes, storage boxes, old furniture, and other clutter can all become great hiding spots for mice. Removing clutter may deter mice and other pests from nesting in your home.
How Do Mice Enter Homes?
Knowing why mice want to get inside is a great start in preventing these pests from invading your home. However, it’s also useful to know exactly how rodents make their way indoors. Here are the main ways that mice enter homes:
- Cracks and holes in your foundation
- Broken door or window screens
- Gaps in basement or garage doors
- Holes and gaps in your roof
Going through your home and sealing off any openings can prevent mice from crawling into your home. While this step may be tedious, it’s well worth avoiding a rodent infestation.
While these tips can help you avoid a mouse in the house, rodent infestations are serious and dangerous problems that should be treated as quickly as possible. If you notice the signs of a rodent infestation in your home, call the expert pest control technicians at Interstate Pest Management today! Our specialists can help you eradicate rodents quickly and efficiently – once and for all. Just give us a call to get a free quote!