As winter moves in, mice and rats begin to look for cozy places to nest. And since they need to find new sources of food while they're at it—many of the items they rely on for sustenance are seasonal—they’re likely to seek out happy homes, where crumbs are plentiful. By following a few simple pest control tips, though, it may be possible to “mouse-proof” your house before it gets really cold. 

How to Prepare Your Yard

Overhanging tree limbs make it easy for mice to enter the home through the attic, while unruly bushes can hide entry points near the foundation. Therefore, doing a little landscaping is the best way to start mouse-proofing. After trimming everything, identify all possible points of entry and seal them. It’s also wise to elevate woodpiles at least 18 inches and relocate them a considerable distance from any structures on the property. Firewood is a haven for pests, which means even if mice cannot get into your home, they can breed in the woodpile and ultimately wreak havoc in the yard, on the porch, and under crawlspaces. 

How to Prepare Your Home 

Once mice find a steady supply of food, they stick around. Therefore, pest control contractors advise homeowners to keep their houses free of crumbs and store dried goods in plastic, glass, or metal containers that mice cannot chew through. This includes staples like flour and sugar as well as pet food.

An extra trick to keep mice from entering the home is to install a brush strip under every exterior door. This will serve to block any gaps between each door and the floor, helping to stop hungry rodents in their path. 

Mice and rats are fairly crafty, which means you may need rodent removal despite “mouse-proofing” the house. To drive your visitors out of your home, turn to Midstate Termite & Pest Control Inc. Based in Cookeville, this locally owned and operated pest control contractor has been helping residential and commercial clients throughout Middle Tennessee since 1953. To browse the comprehensive services they provide, check out their website then call (877) 526-4222 to schedule mice removal today.