How to prevent mice from coming into your home this winter

As the nights get colder in the capital, mice will start invading our homes. We run down the best tips for keeping pests out
Prevent mice from coming into your home this winter
Shutterstock
Liz Connor25 October 2016

The nights are getting chillier, meaning there’s nothing more satisfying than cosying up on the sofa with a blanket while escaping the elements.

Unfortunately, mice are thinking the same thing, and as the temperature drops, they’ll be attempting to come indoors in search of food, warmth and shelter.

If you want to avoid getting the little pests in your cupboards this season, read on for our top tips on how to mouse-proof your home.

Keep your home clean

Mice are drawn into homes with the promise of food. A deep clean of your home will purge any leftover crumbs that may be attracting mice into your home in the first place. Applying peppermint oil to clean floors and surfaces will leave a fresh, natural scent that will repel rodents.

Keep your home clean and tidy
Shutterstock / beeboys

Keep food stored in airtight containers

If you have foods such as cereals or grains that are usually kept in bags, invest in some airtight containers so mice can’t scurry into your cupboards and sniff out your breakfast.

Try ultrasonic sounds

You can buy electronic plug-in units that emit an ultrasonic beeping sound that rodents hate but is inaudible to humans or cats and dogs. They are usually sold at home improvement shops, and many constantly change frequency to prevent vermin becoming resistant to the sound.

Lay down cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon has a strong spicy aroma that mice find unpleasant. Try bundling cinnamon sticks together and placing them in drawers and closets to create a natural, festive repellent.

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Get a cat (or borrow one from a friend)

Cats are natural hunters, so having a feline friend indoors could help with scaring mice away from your home. It’s important to note however, that not every cat will be a natural born predator. Those that spend time outdoors are more likely to hunt to find their own food, whilst house cats that are used to being fed from the cupboard may be more lazy.

Put your wheelie bin far away from your home

Mice can smell your leftover dinner in your wheelie bin, and will naturally migrate indoors if they can find a way in. If you keep your rubbish away from your house, they are less likely to take up residence in your home.

Vermin seen around London

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Put bird box in your garden

It won’t be effective overnight, but building a shelter for birds in your garden can attract flying mouse eaters into your garden over the winter months. Try filling the bird house with nuts and seeds to lure predators into the box.

Block up your holes before the mice find a way in

Holes in your house are an open invitation for mice to come wandering in. Use spackle, caulk or wire wool to seal holes any holes in your house that are relatively small. If you have larger holes, you might need to patch your plaster or drywall. And remember, a mouse can fit under a space the size of a ballpoint pen - so be thorough with your sealing.

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