One morning, you discover some black droppings near the refrigerator. One evening, you hear a peculiar rustling noise in the wall and jump. What if your residence has new, unwelcome tenants? The mice have returned, but why did they choose your home? Most importantly, how do you get rid of them without transforming your living room into a battleground?
Why do mice welcome themselves inside your house?
An escape from the cold
As soon as the temperature decreases, mice seek warmth and safety. Your well-insulated home becomes the perfect cocoon. They find pleasant shelter there, similar to a mountain refuge in the winter, but without having to pay rent!
An all-you-can eat buffet
Crumbs left under the table, a partially closed trash can, or an open bag of cat food… This is a three-star meal for a mouse! They have an extraordinary sense of smell and can discover even the smallest food source.
Unexpected access
A crack beneath the door, a hole in the wall, a water pipe… Mice can squeeze through apertures as small as 6 millimeters. Needless to say, a simple, improperly installed seal can become a rat highway.
Signs of a Mouse Infestation
Before pulling out all the stops, you still need to make sure it’s really a mouse. Here are the most common clues:
- Small black droppings: similar to grains of rice, often near food sources.
- Night noises: scratching, squeaking, rapid movement in walls or ceilings.
- Nests: Made with paper, fabric, or other soft materials.
- Teeth mark: on electrical wires, furniture or packaging.
How can you get rid of mice naturally?
Plug the entrances.
As with a castle, begin by securing the access points. Use putty, steel wool, or metal gratings to fill all holes, no matter how little.
Remove the food sources.
Clean work surfaces completely, tightly seal your food, dump the trash on a regular basis, and never leave kibble or crumbs out.
Use natural repellents
Peppermint essential oil: An unbearable smell for mice. Soak cotton balls in the oil and place them near entry points.
Bay leaves: they disrupt their sense of smell.
Cloves or white vinegar: simple but effective solutions.
Set humane traps
Choose live traps that capture mice without killing them. Then release them far from the house, in a wooded or agricultural area.
What happens if the invasion persists?
If, despite your best efforts, the mice persist, you may need to contact a professional pest control specialist. These professionals use more powerful procedures while adhering to safety regulations.
