Whether you rent or own your home, you want to take responsible actions to ensure pests do not become a problem. Mice are known to be the harborers of diseases and bacteria. Because of this, it is important to take proactive steps to keep them from getting to the interior of your home so they are not a risk to people or pets. Here are some tips to follow to keep your home mouse-free.

1. Conduct an Inspection of Your Home’s Exterior

One way to keep mice from getting inside of your home is to inspect the outside for areas where they can make their way to the interior rooms. If there are portions of siding that are damaged, mice can wriggle their ways inside of voids and nest inside insulation within walls. Evaluate the condition of the siding of your home and contact your landlord or a contractor to make repairs as needed. Check that the space underneath doors is not wide enough to allow mice to gain entry to the interior. If you believe a mouse can make its way underneath a door, apply a door sweep to the underside to fill in the gap.

2. Remove Attractions From Your Property

Mice tend to stay in areas where there are spots to sleep and eat. If you remove these amenities, they will move on to other areas in search of comfort. Remove woodpiles from the vicinity of your home so mice are less likely to wander toward your structure. Keep pet food safely stored inside of your home rather than inside of sheds or outdoor containers. Remove pet bowls from outside after your pet has eaten. If you care for larger animals, make sure their food is kept in well-sealed containers, preferably inside a locked box or cabinet. Keep outdoor water sources such as birdbaths, fountains, and ponds covered when they are not in use.

3. Get Yearly Inspections

It is wise to hire a mice control service every year to conduct an evaluation of your home's interior for signs of a mouse problem. Exterminators can use appropriate measures to address any existing mice and will provide you with mouse control recommendations to keep them from returning in the future. They use trapping methods as well as chemical agents to eliminate pests from walls, attics, basements, and other areas of the home.

To learn more, contact local mice control services.