Mice can be any homeowner’s worst nightmare, leaving behind a trail of chewed wires and contaminated food, which is why preventing mice from entering your home is key to protecting you from the stress of infestation.
As the temperature drops, these rodents are more likely to seek refuge in a warm home, so before you need to get rid of mice, these prevention strategies can fortify your home against these pests.
Our experts have advised on ways to prevent mice from entering your home, from sealing entry points to maintaining cleanliness.
How to prevent mice from entering your home
These small, determined creatures have a knack for working indoors, however, and these steps can help you avoid pest control mistakes and effectively protect your living space from these unwanted guests.
1. Seal entry points
(Image credit: Philip Cole/Alamy Stock Photo)
“To thwart these unwelcome intruders, seal specific entry points with appropriate materials,” advises Edward Rhee, owner of Build Fanatic. “Caulking is ideal for filling small cracks and gaps, while weathering can create an airtight seal around doors and windows.”
You can find this Gorilla Caulk and Sealer at Amazon, and the Allnice Kerf Air Stripper from Walmart.
“In cases where mice may try to gnaw their way in, consider reinforcing weak areas with steel wool, as this material is almost impervious to chewing attempts,” continues Edward Rhee.
“You should be especially careful around areas where pipes, vents and utility connections penetrate the structure of your home, as they are often overlooked as gateways for mice.”
You can find MAPORCH Steel Wool for Mice Control Pack on Amazon
Enhance the exterior appearance of the home
(Image credit: Alana Hill)
Access always starts with securing the exterior of your home to prevent mice from entering your home.
“Walk around your house and check all the crawl space Slots intact and Screens “It’s in good shape,” advises Brian Benham, owner of Benham Design Concepts. The screen may still look like it’s intact, but a mouse could click into a corner and sneak through.
“Next, you will need to be examined.” Vent cover Itself. It can become brittle over time due to exposure to sunlight and freeze-thaw cycles. Once fragile holes and cracks appear, they allow mice to enter.
Vents are often found in the gable ends of houses and in eaves. Mice can climb a vertical wall, especially if it has a plaster-like texture, to gain control of it. Make sure these ventilation baffles are in good condition and that the frame is airtight.’
Brian Benham also recommends: “As you search around the edges and sides of your home, look for Gaps between flashing, where siding and trim meet. Close any gaps. This will make your home more weather resistant as well as keep mice away.
‘research Mechanical breakthroughs Also on the side of your house, such as where gas lines enter the house or HVAC condenser connections. The installers may have forgotten to seal these elements after they passed the lines through the holes they drilled.’
Next, inspect and fortify your home institution And seal any holes in your sill plate and the foundation or siding. Apply caulk at the base of your foundation where it connects to your walls.
Use expanding foam if the crack is too large to seal. You can find expanding foam sealant on Amazon.
ASAP Restoration’s Josh Rudin explains:Air holes In your attic it must be properly strung with grids measured so small that not even a mouse can fit in them. Ventilation ducts must have securely fitted exhaust caps, and utility entry points must be secured.’ You can use this stainless steel mesh screen from Amazon.
Plumbing reinforcement
(Image credit: Janice Nicolai)
Make sure plumbing inlets are closed to prevent mice from entering through the walls and into sink cabinets.
“Look under sinks where the plumbing enters the cabinet. There is often a gap between the drain and water lines large enough for a mouse to get in,” Brian Benham explains.
“You can seal them with spray foam.” If it’s in a visible place or you don’t want to get spray foam on your cabinets, you can use a brand logo plate that fits tightly around the tube and is mounted on the wall. Some need to be installed when the pipes are connected, others can be installed after they are installed.’
You can find PROCURU Escutcheon Wall Tube Cover on Amazon. Make sure you find one with the right dimensions, and you can also choose one that matches your home decor if it’s on offer.
2. Cut the leaves
(Image credit: Charleston House/Lee Robbins)
“Rodents will climb trees, shrubs and even outdoor wires like your TV cable in search of food and shelter,” warns Robert Taylor, owner of The Real Estate Solutions Guy.
“Tree branches should be cut at least 5 to 6” from your roof line to prevent rodents from jumping onto your roof. Shrubs should be kept at least a foot away from your home.
3. Proper cleaning and storage of food
(Image credit: HÁM Interiors)
“Mice have a keen sense of smell and are naturally attracted to the smell of food,” says Edward Rhee. “To mitigate the risk of infestation, take a strict approach to food storage. All consumables, including pet food, should be securely enclosed within airtight containers, making them inaccessible to rodents.
“Mice can easily chew through these fragile food containers, so use airtight plastic or glass containers.
“Keeping your kitchen clean is also pivotal in deterring mice. Regularly wipe down countertops, sweep up crumbs, and be sure to empty your trash immediately to eliminate any potential food sources. Additionally, avoid the temptation of leaving dirty dishes unwashed Throughout the night, it may attract mice looking for sustenance.
“By diligently adhering to these practices, you can significantly reduce the attractiveness of your home to these unwanted guests and reduce the risk of rat infestation.”
You should also keep garbage in tightly closed bins inside and outside the home. Empty indoor trash regularly, and make sure outdoor bins have secure lids.
VTOPMART glass box set
$18.99
This set of seven glass food storage containers with bamboo lids is the perfect way to elegantly display your food items for easy access.
4. Strategic deterrence
(Image credit: blickwinkel/Alamy Stock Photo)
Aside from sealing your home and removing attractants, you can also use some deterrents to reduce the risk of mice trying to enter your home.
“Mice are sensitive to odors, so using materials with strong odors can deter them,” explains Hashi Mohammed, cleaning expert and president of Ivy Cleans. Peppermint essential oil is one example of a scent that mice do not like. We recommend using peppermint essential oil from Walmart.
Alternatively, ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds can prevent them from entering your home. These use high frequency sound waves to discourage mice from entering your living space. You can find an ultrasonic pest repeller, like this one, on Amazon.
5. Vigilant monitoring and maintenance
(Image credit: Björg Magnia/PJC Engineering)
Monitor various entry points and potentially vulnerable areas and re-seal them when necessary, keep areas clean, and trim trees and branches to thwart any infiltration attempts by these animals.
common questions
What is a harmless mousetrap?
If you notice a sign of mice, one way to catch the mice without harming them is reusable mouse traps that have a bait chamber and keep the mice inside with a spring-loaded door.
Place reusable mouse traps in strategic locations, especially in areas where you have noticed mouse activity. Check it regularly and clean it after emptying it.
We recommend these four humane mouse traps from Amazon.
Mice often burrow in gardens or crowded outdoor spaces, so maintain your garden to prevent mice from nesting near your home.
