As the temperatures drop, humans aren’t the only ones looking for warmth. Mice, like many other pests, seek shelter indoors during the winter months. While they may seem harmless, these small invaders can cause big problems—from spreading diseases to damaging your property. Here’s everything you need to know about mice in the winter and how to keep them out.
Why Mice Invade Homes in Winter
When the weather gets cold, mice naturally look for places that provide warmth, food, and safety. Your home is the perfect haven for them:
1. Warmth: Heated spaces offer refuge from freezing temperatures.
2. Food Sources: Kitchens, pantries, and even pet food can attract hungry mice.
3. Shelter: Attics, basements, and wall voids provide safe nesting spots.
Signs of a Mouse Infestation
Look out for these warning signs:
• Droppings: Small, dark, rice-shaped droppings around food sources or nesting areas.
• Gnaw Marks: Chewed wires, furniture, or food packaging.
• Noises: Scratching sounds in the walls or ceiling, especially at night.
• Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation in hidden areas.
• Tracks: Grease marks or small footprints along walls or dusty surfaces.
Dangers of a Mouse Infestation
Mice may be small, but they can cause serious problems:
1. Health Risks: Mice carry diseases like Hantavirus and Salmonella, which can contaminate food and surfaces.
2. Fire Hazards: Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wires, leading to potential fire risks.
3. Structural Damage: Mice chew through insulation, drywall, and wood, causing costly repairs.
How to Mouse-Proof Your Home This Winter
To keep mice out, follow these preventive steps:
1. Seal Entry Points
Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime. Inspect your home for cracks, holes, or gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Seal these with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Keep counters and floors clean of crumbs and spills.
• Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
3. Declutter
Mice love cluttered spaces for nesting. Organize storage areas like basements, attics, and garages.
4. Maintain Your Home’s Exterior
• Trim shrubs and trees near your house.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
• Keep trash bins tightly sealed.
5. Use Traps and Deterrents
Snap traps and ultrasonic repellents can help keep mice at bay. Place traps along walls where mice typically travel.
When to Call the Professionals
If mice have already made their way into your home, DIY methods may not be enough. Professional pest control services, like those offered by Pestwise, can ensure a thorough inspection, safe removal, and long-term prevention.
At Pestwise, we specialize in eco-friendly and effective rodent control solutions tailored for winter infestations. Our team ensures your home is protected year-round with advanced techniques and products that comply with safety standards.
Don’t Let Mice Take Over This Winter
Winter should be a time for cozy nights, not battling mice. Protect your home from these unwanted guests with proactive measures and professional help.
Contact Pestwise today at info@pestwise.ca or call us at +1 (647) 839-0844 to schedule an inspection or learn more about our rodent control services.
Let us help you keep your home warm, safe, and mouse-free this winter!
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