How to Humanely Keey Mice Out of Your Home - Hiring Humane Pest Control
While there is no doubt that mice are destructive inside the home and can spread diseases, many traditional methods such as traps or poison may seem too harsh to many homeowners. Thankfully, humane pest control is a growing sector of the pest control market, and its focus on prevention means there are a number of steps you can take to keep pests from entering your home in the first place.
Mice generally enter homes through small cracks and crevices, and are in search of shelter, food, or both. Mice will destroy food if it is left sitting in boxes or original containers. One of the easiest ways to prevent mice from wanting to stay in your home is to take away potential food sources. Store cereal, rice, or other grains and foods in hard plastic containers with lids. Be sure not to overlook other food sources, including tea bags, packets of hot chocolate, or other drink mixes or seasonings in thin containers. These simple steps to keep food out of a mouse's reach will keep them from wanting to stay in your space.
You will also want to secure all garbage and keep your kitchen and dining areas very clean. If your garbage is stored under a sink, especially if you already have mice, you will want to move it out into the open, away from the cabinets where mice may hide. Be sure you have a tight-fitting lid, and apply the same to any outside garbage cans you may have. Wipe off all counter tops and be sure to sweep your kitchen, as well as your dining room floor. Keeping crumbs off the floor goes a long way.
The last step you can take to prevent mouse problems is to check your home for cracks or other entry points. Be sure your foundation is strong and remember, mice can come through a hole the size of an eraser. Sealing these cracks will cut down on the chance that mice will get into your home in the first place.
If mice do get into your home, consider trying a home remedy for small infestations. Spreading peppermint oil has been known to ward off mice due to their sensitive noses. Others place moth balls near potential entrances or hiding places to keep mice out.You may also want to try a humane trap yourself. Humane traps, unlike traditional mouse traps, do not kill the mouse. However, once you catch a mouse, you will have to find somewhere you can safely release it. If you live in the city, you may just be sending your mice to live with others, which is not helpful. Consider where you can release mice safely to avoid harming others.
If you have a number of mice, do not let the idea that the mice will be killed stop you from calling an exterminator. Many exterminators offer humane methods, including large scale traps or sprays to ward off rather than kill mice. We can help put you in touch with a humane exterminator, who will be able to get the mice out of your home without harming them. If you would be interested in such a service, please consider filling out the form for a free, no-obligation quote today.