Mice infestations can be devastatingly destructive to your home, which is why it is so important to invest in effective pest management and rodent control in Ellicott City. Your pest control expert can perform regular inspections for signs of mice, and can also provide safe, effective rodent control services. Here are some great ways that you can protect your home from a mouse infestation.

Seal up entry points in the interior and exterior of your home.

Mice can enter your home through even the smallest hole or crack. The first thing that any pest control expert will tell you to do to prevent a mouse infestation is to seal up any possible entry points. This includes repairing damaged screens on doors or windows and installing door sweeps on exterior doors. You can also use mesh screens or plaster to cover up holes and cracks around the outside of your home. You should also replace any worn weather stripping or loose mortar around doors, windows, and your home’s foundation.

Keep your kitchen clean and organized.

Another important element of mouse prevention is keeping your kitchen clean and organized. Do not leave food or crumbs out on countertops, and keep dry food sealed inside plastic containers in your cupboards. Take out your garbage regularly, and store garbage cans at least 20 feet from your home. If you notice signs that mice have chewed through boxes or bags of food in your kitchen, or notice mouse droppings anywhere, you should contact an exterminator immediately. The longer that you wait, the more complex your rodent control efforts will need to be to protect your home.

Minimize clutter in basements, attics, and crawlspaces.

Mice utilize a variety of materials to build nests. If you have a lot of clutter in your basement, attic, or crawlspaces, you are giving mice plenty of shelter and hiding spaces, as well as material for their nests. Make sure to clean out the clutter in your house on a regular basis, and inspect your insulation, upholstery, cardboard storage boxes, linens, furniture, and wiring for signs that mice have been chewing on them. Further, you should keep these areas of your home well-ventilated and dry.