Spotting a mouse in your house can be a terrifying experience. After the fear wears off, you’ll wonder how mice are getting into your home in the first place. As the weather cools off, mice will be on the move searching for warm places to build their nests. If your home isn’t properly defended from these curious rodents, you could be sleeping under the same roof as them and not even know it.

The presence of rodents in a house is more of an annoyance. Germs can spread through their dried feces, urine, and saliva. They can also spread diseases such as:

Leptospirosis
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
Hantavirus
Salmonella

Effective rodent control begins with being able to spot the signs of mice and take proper action to prevent them.

Signs of Mice

By being vigilant, you can catch a mouse infestation before it gets bad. There are three main reasons why mice enter your home.

Shelter: Mice are looking for a roof over their heads so they can be protected from the elements and predators. Mice can get into your home through cracks in your foundation, damaged siding, through attic vents, and where utilities enter the home.

Warm spaces: Mice need warm, dry spaces to make their nests and raise their young. The most common places you can find mice are in your attic, basement, or crawl spaces.

Access to food and water sources: Mice need a dependable source of food and water. If your food isn’t properly stored, mice will be able to smell it from outside the home.

When rodents are living in your home they may be difficult to spot, but the signs should be visible. Check for:

Droppings
Paw prints in the dust
Gnaw marks on wooden beams, electrical wires, and drywall
Piles of seeds.
Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.

Ways to Prevent Mice

The best way to keep mice out of your home is to prevent them from getting in. Here are some clever ways to make your home unattractive to mice and rodents.

Store Pet Food Properly

Mice like to eat pet food and if it is easily accessible they will survive off of it. Pet food should be stored in airtight, plastic storage containers after you bring it home to keep them away.

Set Traps

Just as a precaution, set a few mouse or rat traps around your home and bait them with peanut butter. Check traps regularly for activity.

Seal Dry Foods

Dry foods such as cereals, grains, flour, and other dry foods should be stored in plastic sealed containers. This will prevent mice from smelling the food and the plastic will prevent gnawing.

Keep Debris Away From Foundation

If your home is surrounded by shrubs or leaves, these can be ideal hiding spots for pests. Mice living near your home can seek out cracks in your foundation or siding and gain entry.

Keep Your Kitchen Clean

After cooking and eating, sweep the kitchen floor to make sure you don’t leave any crumbs for mice. Be sure to take out the trash before going to bed and don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight.

Keep Bird Feeders Away From House

Seeds from bird feeders will attract mice and rodents and bring them closer to your house. Keep bird feeders at least 30 feet from your home. You should remove any bird feeders that are located on your porch.

Seal and Close Doors

Make sure all doors and screens are closed at all times. Keep your screen doors in good repair and seal them properly. Garage doors should never be left open overnight, since mice and rats are most active at night.

Get Professional Rodent Control

If you have had enough of rodents in your home, call the pest control veterans at Sandwich Isle. We have been providing Hawaii residents with quality rodent control and exterminator services in Honolulu County for over 25 years. With our experience and talented staff, we can provide the best experience around. Just give us a call at (808) 638-2406 or leave a message on our site.