Mouse: 5 Gentle Ways to Keep Them Away

Mouse, with their small round ears and fine whiskers, may seem adorable, but they are often seen as pests, especially when they seek refuge in our homes. If you want to prevent their intrusion or get rid of those already present, here are five simple and effective solutions to naturally keep them away.

1) Seal all entry points to your home

Make sure all doors and windows in your house are properly closed, especially at night. Mice can enter through the smallest cracks. Also, ensure the garage door is properly closed, as it is often neglected. For small openings and cracks in the walls, use materials like concrete or sheet metal to seal them.

If you need to ventilate your home, such as on very hot days, install screens on doors, windows, chimneys, and ventilation ducts. This will allow you to air out your home without attracting rodents.

2) Do a deep cleaning

Clutter attracts mice, as they find ideal hiding places for nesting. It is important to tidy up all spaces in your home, including basements, attics, and garages. Check dark corners, piles of cardboard, old furniture, and dusty areas. Regularly disinfect floors to prevent the accumulation of remnants that might attract these rodents.

3) Eliminate any food sources inside and outside

Mice are particularly attracted to food. To minimize the attraction of your home, store all your food in airtight containers, cabinets, or your refrigerator. Do not leave crumbs or leftovers lying on the table or floor.

Outside, collect fallen fruit from trees and place your trash cans in closed areas, away from your house. Ensure they are not tipped over and make sure no pet food is left outside.

4) Use natural repellents

Certain plants and spices can be effective allies in keeping mice away. For example, pepper, peppermint, and bay leaves emit scents that rodents dislike. You can diffuse peppermint essential oil in the corners of your house, particularly in the basement, closets, and around doors. Planting mint near windows or using bay leaves in your kitchen cupboards can also help keep them at bay.

Ultrasonic repellents or live traps are also possible solutions, allowing you to capture mice and release them far from your home.

5) Adopt a cat

While adopting a cat is not necessarily to make it a mouse hunter, its scent is a great way to scare away rodents. If your cat catches a mouse, don’t be surprised, as this behavior is natural. But, generally, the mere presence of your feline will be enough to deter mice from entering your home.

These simple and natural tips will help you keep your home mouse-free without resorting to invasive or dangerous methods. By following these guidelines, you’ll protect your home while respecting the environment.