The nights are getting chillier, meaning there’s nothing more satisfying than cosying up on the sofa with a blanket while escaping the elements.
Unfortunately, mice are thinking the same thing, and as the temperature drops, they’ll be attempting to come indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter.
If you want to avoid getting the little pests in your cupboards this season, read on for our top tips on how to mouse-proof your home.
Keep your home clean
Mice are drawn into homes with the promise of food. A deep clean of your home will purge any leftover crumbs that may be attracting mice into your home in the first place. Applying peppermint oil to clean floors and surfaces will leave a fresh, natural scent that will repel rodents.
Keep food stored in airtight containers
If you have foods such as cereals or grains that are usually kept in bags, invest in some airtight containers so mice can’t scurry into your cupboards and sniff out your breakfast.
Try ultrasonic sounds
You can buy electronic plug-in units that emit an ultrasonic beeping sound that rodents hate but is inaudible to humans or cats and dogs. They are usually sold at home improvement shops, and many constantly change frequency to prevent vermin becoming resistant to the sound.
Lay down cinnamon sticks
Cinnamon has a strong spicy aroma that mice find unpleasant. Try bundling cinnamon sticks together and placing them in drawers and closets to create a natural, festive repellent.
Get a cat (or borrow one from a friend)
Cats are natural hunters, so having a feline friend indoors could help with scaring mice away from your home. It’s important to note however, that not every cat will be a natural born predator. Those that spend time outdoors are more likely to hunt to find their own food, whilst house cats that are used to being fed from the cupboard may be more lazy
Put your wheelie bin far away from your home
Mice can smell your leftover dinner in your wheelie bin, and will naturally migrate indoors if they can find a way in. If you keep your rubbish away from your house, they are less likely to take up residence in your home.
Put a bird box in your garden
It won’t be effective overnight, but building a shelter for birds in your garden can attract flying mouse eaters into your garden over the winter months. Try filling the bird house with nuts and seeds to lure predators into the box.
Block up your holes before the mice find a way in
Holes in your house are an open invitation for mice to come wandering in. Use spackle, caulk or wire wool to seal holes any holes in your house that are relatively small. If you have larger holes, you might need to patch your plaster or drywall. And remember, a mouse can fit under a space the size of a ballpoint pen - so be thorough with your sealing.
If you are a food retailer in Warrington you will be aware that Warrington Council has signed up for the Food Standards Agency ‘Scores on the Doors’ Scheme.
Details can be found here https://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/council/warrington-borough-council
We offer a quarterly service plan that ensures that, when it comes to pest control, you will be fully compliant with current legislation and will be able to show documented proof of GPM Pest Control visits and compliance.
