Because they are so small and their bones are so flexible, mice are known for getting into homes through the smallest gaps. A dime-sized hole is small enough for a mouse to fit through. These unpleasant guests can not only be bad for your health but also do a lot of damage to your home. Sealing off mouse entry places is the best way to keep them out.
Why sealing entry points is important
Stopping mice from getting into your home in the first place is one of the most important things you can do to keep them out. This is why it’s important:
- Health and Safety: Mice can spread diseases and bugs to people and pets, which makes them a health risk. If you seal off entry spots, you lower the chance of contamination.
- Damage to Property: Mice are known to chew on things. They can hurt walls, wires, and insulation, which will cost a lot to fix.
- Peace of Mind: Being sure that your home is properly protected gives you peace of mind. You will no longer have to worry about mice getting in all the time.
Common Places for Mice to Enter
To really keep mice out of your house, you need to find and close all the usual entry points. Some of these are:
- Gaps around windows and doors: A mouse can get in through even the smallest gap. Weatherstripping can help keep these places dry.
- Bugs can get into your home through holes or cracks in the walls or base. It is very important to fill in these cracks with glue or cement.
- Vents and exhausts: Look at the places around the vents and exhausts. Place plastic screens around your home to keep mice out.
- Utility Openings: Mice can get in through openings for utility lines like gas and water. Make sure the seals are good.
- Plugs and holes for wiring: Mice may be able to get in through holes in places where wires or pipes enter your home. Use the right products to seal these.
- Screens That Are Broken: Mice can get through window and vent screens that are broken. Get rid of or fix any screens that have holes in them.
What to Do to Seal Off Entry Points
- Check Your Home: To start, carefully check your home, paying special attention to places where people could get in.
- Get the things you need: steel wool, copper mesh, caulk, expanding foam, seals, and so on.
- Fill Holes and Cracks: For bigger holes and cracks, use steel wool or copper wire. These things are too hard for mice to chew through. Then, seal the area with something like glue or expanding foam.
- Fix Screens and Vents: Fix or repair window, door, and vent screens that are broken. Check to see if these are still in good shape and fit well.
- Put in Door Sweeps: Put in door sweeps to close up gaps under exterior doors, which are popular places for mice to get in.
- Cut Back Plants: Get rid of bushes and trees that are close to your house because mice can use them as bridges to get in.
Help from professionals
If you don’t know where the pests might be getting in or need help closing things up, you might want to hire a professional pest control service. The professionals can do a full inspection and use cutting-edge tools and methods to successfully keep mice out of your home.
Preventative Steps
After you patch up any holes mice can use to get in, it’s important to keep your home clean and uninviting to them. Keep food in containers that don’t let air in, clean up spills and crumbs right away, and throw away trash on a regular basis. By making your home less appealing to mice, you greatly lower the chances of getting an outbreak.
Finally, sealing up places where mice can get in is a smart and effective way to keep these pests out of your home. By taking the time and making the effort to do this important step, you can protect your property, keep your family healthy, and enjoy peace of mind in a home free of mice.