5 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mice This Winter

As temperatures drop through the fall and winter, animals and insects everywhere are looking for one thing: shelter! The worst culprits in Portland, Seattle, Boise, and other cities within the Pacific Northwest seem to be rodents, specifically mice and rats. Even if you think that all the holes in your exterior walls are sealed, mice can get through the space of a dime! Mice and rats can cause extensive damage, spread disease, and can even cause fires—so it’s important to get rid of rodents the minute you find them.

Natural Remedies Can Be Useful to Get Rid of Mice

Let’s be clear: Natural remedies are not going to get rid of mice overnight, nor are they going to get rid of large populations of mice. DIY pest control also doesn’t go very far when it comes to treating a full-blown infestation, and we will always recommend a professional inspection if you have a pest problem.

There are a few techniques that can help to get rid of mice this winter—especially when used in conjunction with exclusionary methods. “Exclusion” pest control is simple: block pests from getting inside!

Our Top 5 Ways to Repel Mice

You may be able to prevent mice with these methods:

1. Peppermint Oil

A lot of pests hate peppermint, and mice agree! Roll or spray peppermint oil along baseboards or points of entry.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute with water, and then spray around the exterior of your home. You can also spray inside around entry points. Be sure to apply once a month!

3. Fabric Softener Sheets

A hotly debated topic, some people swear by them, and other people insist that mice just end up making nests out of them. There’s nothing to lose by trying them out–as long as it’s not your only type of mouse repellent. Using dryer sheets alone is very unlikely to be effective.

4. Used Kitty Litter

While not the most appealing remedy, used kitty litter can warn mice off. Placement is key—for the mice and for you! Place in discrete locations around rodent entry points.

5. Steel Wool

Now we’re talking! This is our favorite method of all, and the most reliable. Mice and rodents aren’t able to chew through the the tough material. Simply stick steel wool in any crevices or holes in your home, using a strong wood and metal adhesive to keep it in place.

If you’re going to invest time and energy into a home remedy to get rid of mice, invest in steel wool first! It accomplishes our main goal, which is to exclude and prevent mice in the first place.

Regular Mice Inspections Can Prevent Infestations

Every homeowner should take the following steps to prevent a mice infestation:

• Inspect your home to look for signs of mice.
• Find possible entry points and seal or close them off.
• Keep food sealed and securely stored; never leave it out.
• Keep inside and outside areas tidy and free of exposed garbage.
• Make sure any foliage is at least three feet away from the foundation of your home.
• During the colder months, keep birdseed to a minimum—especially close to the home!

We recommend inspecting once a month, but at the first sign of trouble—start controlling! If you see a mouse, you are almost guaranteed to have more living in your home. Call PURCOR at any time for more tips or a professional treatment!