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What Do Mice Hate?

a mouse outside

A mouse infestation is a common problem that any homeowner can face. When it comes to dealing with this kind of problem, you have options. There are natural do-it-yourself methods for mice repellent such as using scents that mice hate.

However, to fully control a mouse population, you need to use multiple strategies. Sealing up entry points, removing food and water sources and using traps are some examples.

It’s also important to know about mice’s habits, such as their reproduction cycle and why they chew through wires. The more you know about mice, the more you can prevent them from entering your home and causing problems.

The most effective way to deal with a mouse problem in your home or on your property is to contact a rodent control specialist. However, there are measures you can take on your own. Keep reading to learn about what mice hate, using scent against them and more.

Using Scent to Deter Mice

What do mice hate? Unfortunately, there are no studies proving specific scents effectively repel mice for extended periods of time. However, some people claim that there are scents mice hate, such as:

  • Peppermint
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Clove
  • Black Pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Vinegar
  • Ammonia

If you want to try repelling mice with scent, you have a few options. The first option is to use essential oils, such as peppermint and clove oil. Soak cotton balls in the oils and place them around the areas where you have noticed mouse activity.

Another option is to use tea bags that contain some of the herbs listed, like cinnamon or peppermint. Activate the scent by boiling the tea bag in hot water the same way you would make an actual cup of tea. Then, remove the tea bag and place it on the floor in several corners of your house. Use multiple tea bags to create a more effective deterrent.

If you have a cat, you can utilize their litter to keep mice away. Since these furry pests don’t like the smell of ammonia, you can place containers of used litter around your home to keep them away. The downside to this method is that it will also make your home smell foul.

If you don’t have a cat, you can still use this method by placing small bowls of pure ammonia around your home.

There are also other mint-infused products, such as mint toothpaste, that you can try. Smear the toothpaste on your floors, baseboards and other areas of your home that the mice frequent.

Unfortunately, there is no official proof to back these methods up, they require a lot of maintenance and they can have negative side effects. For example, if your pet accidentally eats a peppermint oil-soaked cotton ball or if the cat litter makes your entire home smell like cat pee. Even worse, mice are prolific breeders, so there is a chance your mouse problem could get even worse as you test out which of these scents works best.

To get rid of mice more efficiently, contact a pest control expert who can use proven and effective methods.

Using Traps to Get Rid of Rodents

The most common way to rid your home of rodents like mice and rats is by using traps. There are several types of traps, from snap traps to electronic traps.

Traditional spring traps are budget-friendly and effective. To trap a rat, place bait on the spring trap for three days without setting the spring. Once the rat trusts the new food source, set the trap.

Electric traps kill rodents instantly with an electric shock. However, for a no-kill option, use a cage trap.

Keep in mind, you need to be strategic in using mouse traps. Mice often live in colonies, so if you have one mouse in your home, there are likely more. A pest control specialist can strategically set traps so that you get rid of the entire colony.

Preventing the Return of Rodents 

It isn’t enough to remove mice from your home. You also need to stop them from entering again. To do this, you need to remove their food and water sources and seal up any potential entry points.

Put all your dry goods like grains, cereals and pet food in metal containers that rats cannot chew through. Do not leave pet food out when your pet is not eating it. You also need to remove their access to water. Check for condensation leaks on your air conditioning system, water leaks in pipes and other plumbing leaks.

Keep your garbage and compost bins covered and do not leave any produce out on your kitchen counter. Don’t give mice access to any nesting materials. Store extra linens in a metal container.

You should also remove their outdoor food sources to keep them off your property. If you have fruit trees, pick up any fallen fruit right away. Keep your compost heap covered and only use birdfeeders with a tray to catch seeds.

Finally, check your home for any potential entry points that mice can use to get in the house. This includes holes and cracks that are only as big as a dime. It’s easy for homeowners to miss these small openings. A pest control specialist can do a thorough home inspection to identify and seal all possible entry points.

a mouse in a kitchen

How Many Babies Do Mice Have?

Another reason you need to control your mouse infestation thoroughly and quickly is because they reproduce extremely fast. In fact, one female mouse can have around 35 babies in one year. Each litter can have between five and twelve mice pups, and females can give birth every few weeks.

Pups only nurse for 21 days before they wean and leave their mothers. Female mice pups can start reproducing at just two months old. Mice can produce year-round when they live indoors, whereas outdoor mice only reproduce in the spring.

As you can see, a small colony of mice in your home can quickly turn into an enormous hoard of rodents. Contact a rodent control specialist as soon as you see one mouse and prevent the problem from getting worse.

a mouse in a dark house

Why Do Mice Chew Wires?

Why do mice chew wires? There are a few reasons. First, it’s a way for them to grind their teeth down. Mice’s teeth do not stop growing throughout their life, and they need a way to keep them short and sharpen them. It’s similar to the way that humans need to trim their nails. Wires are easy for mice to hold and chew on at the same time. Wires also make for nesting material and hiding places for mice.

A mouse problem in your home is not only a nuisance; it can also become dangerous when they start chewing through your wires. Their chewing can cause electrical failure, leading to circuit tripping, appliance failure and flickering lights. Worst of all, electrical failure is one of the leading causes of house fires.

To prevent mice from chewing through your wires, you can cover them with metal or plastic wire covers.

Kick Mice Out of Your Home

Mice might look cute and fluffy, but they can quickly become a nuisance when they enter your home. They can also put your home in danger when they chew through your electrical wiring.

To get rid of mice, consider using multiple methods and strategies. Using scents that mice hate to deter them is one option; however, it takes trial and error to discover what works, and it may not even end up working!

A small mouse colony can become a huge problem in your home because mice reproduce so quickly. Stop the colony from multiplying by dealing with the infestation right away. Finally, prevent them from entering again by sealing up all of their entry points.

Contacting a pest control specialist is the best way to control a rodent population in your home. Additionally, many specialists offer a recurring preventative program that catches the early signs of rodents before a full-blown infestation takes place. This way, you can feel confident that your property is in good hands.

ABC Can Help With Mouse Problems

Dealing with a pest infestation is an exhausting experience. Fortunately, the professionals at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help. We can identify early signs of rodent infestations and can create a plan to get the problem under control. This way, you and your family members can be comfortable.

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