How to Keep Mice Away

How to Keep Mice Away

The best way to keep mice away is to make your home and property difficult to enter and unattractive as a source of food, water, and shelter.

Using a mouse repellent can add another layer of protection by helping discourage mice from entering or remaining in treated areas.

Why Are Mice Coming Around?

Mice usually enter homes, garages, sheds, and other structures because they are looking for three basic things:

• Food

• Water

• Shelter

Small openings, cluttered storage areas, pet food, birdseed, garbage, and other easily accessible food sources can make a property attractive to mice.

Seal Mouse Entry Points

One of the most important steps is preventing mice from getting inside.

Inspect areas around:

• Doors and windows

• Pipes and utility lines

• Garage doors

• Foundations

• Vents

• Rooflines

• Siding and exterior walls

Seal appropriate openings and repair damaged areas that could provide access.

Remove Food Sources

Even small amounts of accessible food can attract mice.

Store pantry foods, pet food, livestock feed, and birdseed in secure containers. Clean up crumbs and spills and keep garbage cans tightly closed.

Avoid leaving pet food out overnight in areas where mice may have access.

Reduce Hiding and Nesting Areas

Mice prefer protected areas where they can hide and build nests.

Reduce clutter in garages, basements, attics, sheds, and storage spaces. Cardboard boxes, paper, fabric, and other materials can provide both shelter and nesting material.

Use a Mouse Repellent

A scent-based mouse repellent can help make treated areas less attractive to rodents.

Apply repellent according to the product directions around appropriate:

• Entry points

• Garages

• Attics

• Basements

• Sheds

• Storage areas

• RVs and campers

• Vehicles

• Other areas where mouse activity has been noticed

Reapply as directed to help maintain the repellent effect.

Keep Mice Away Before They Become a Bigger Problem

You don't have to wait until mice are nesting inside your home to take action.

A combination of sealing entry points, removing food sources, reducing hiding places, and using a rodent repellent can help make your property much less inviting to mice.