They Hate This Smell - Two Effective Ways To Prevent Mice From Entering Homes

 

Speaking exclusively to Express UK, Jordan Foster, pest control expert at Fantastic Pest Control explained that with cold weather comes the likelihood of more mice showing up. 

He said: “Over the past few days, we've noticed increased rodent-related calls. As the nights get colder, rodents like mice and rats try to find shelter and warmth, so it's important to keep them at bay.”

The expert has shared two effective ways to prevent mice from entering homes and they are all safe and natural. 

1. Homemade Repellents Using Scents 

Jordan shared that mice have a very keen sense of smell that is much stronger than what humans experience. Homeowners can use this to their advantage by using scents that mice hate like peppermint, cloves and cayenne pepper.

The pest control expert said: “Cayenne pepper, pepper, cloves, and peppermint oil will all deter mice from your home. Place cotton balls soaked in one or more of these oils where you've seen mice. This always works as they hate the smell.”

Peppermint oil, in particular, is regarded by many as one of the best alternatives to pesticides due to its very powerful scent.

2. Remove Their Food Supply 

Even if it doesn't look like mouse food, it’s more than likely it is. They eat almost everything, so it is important to regularly clean any food remnants from the floors, counters and other surfaces and store food correctly.

Jordan explained: “The amount of food mice need each day is tiny. Remove the things they like to eat to get rid of them. Grain, pet food, and other dry goods should be stored in glass or metal containers because mice can't chew them.”

To avoid attracting mice to a property, seal all potential food sources in tamper-proof bins, avoid leaving pet food out for long periods, and clean up all spills and messes promptly.

Bins can equally attract mice, but keeping them out of reach or tightly secured will help to deter them.