Infestation Prevention 101: How Do Mice Get in Your Home?

Did you know that mice and rats can spread more than 35 diseases?

No one wants these pests in their home. Unfortunately, mice infestations are common.

Knowing the answer to the question, “How do mice get in your home?” can help you keep these pests out of your home and your family safe from disease.

Keep reading to learn more about how mice get inside homes and what you can do to prevent an infestation.

How Do Mice Get in Your Home?

Mice usually enter homes through gaps and cracks. These are usually in your attic, outer walls, or foundation. Mice can squeeze in through a hole as small as a dime.

Fall is the most likely time to find mice in the home. This is because they come into our homes when the temperatures drop in search of food and warmth. Once they find a good spot, they aren’t likely to go outside again and you end up with a mouse infestation. Mice reproduce quickly so things can get out of control before you even know there’s a problem.

Mice can also enter your home through gaps in windows, ceilings, and sewer lines. If your drainage pipes aren’t well sealed, they can come in through the drains in your sinks and bathtubs. They can even come in through the gas line to your oven.

How to Identify Entry Points

If you see signs of pests in the home or mice themselves, you need to figure out how they are getting in.

To find entry points, you need to inspect the outside of your home. Check your foundation for gaps and cracks. It’s important to look under porches, behind stairs, and behind objects.

Check screens on windows and doors and make sure your door sweeps are creating a seal. You should also look for gaps where wires, pipes, and objects enter your exterior walls.

If you find an obvious entry point, you’ll want to seal it right away. You should also call a mouse exterminator. Damage from mice can be dangerous and costly.

Check out this article for more information about mice in your home.

How to Prevent Mice Infestation

You know the saying “prevention is worth more than a cure?” When it comes to pests in the home, this saying is true.

Preventing mice in the home starts with preventing mice in your yard. Get rid of clutter and objects that aren’t necessary and can provide shelter for mice. You should also remove overgrown weeds and any other potential food or water sources.

Be sure to seal your trash cans and clean up pet food and leftovers in your garden. Most importantly, inspect your home for potential entry points and seal up any cracks, gaps, or holes.

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Hopefully, we’ve answered the question, “How do mice get in your home?”

With this information, you can protect your home and belongings and prevent mice infestation.

For more home improvement content, check out the rest of our blog.