Attracted by food and the warmth of the house, the gray mouse ( Mus musculus ) willingly invites itself into the interiors as soon as the cold season arrives. Unfortunately for them, they are not welcome, whether we are frightened by their presence or simply because of the damage they can cause in the home. However, be aware that it is entirely possible to repel them without killing them , with simple and natural tips, without danger for the environment and for your health.
Discover our 8 tips and tricks to get rid of these unwanted little rodents effectively!
Why do mice move into houses?
Mice have moved into your home and you want to get rid of them naturally? It is possible, but first of all, it is important to understand what attracts these little animals inside homes. You will then be able to fight against their presence much more effectively.
First of all, mice are attracted to your home by the warmth of your interior and the accessible food . Leftover food in the trash, crumbs lying on the table, an unsealed packet of biscuits, dog kibble… all these smells are attractive and act like magnets. And since it’s nice in your home, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it!
Mice don’t live far from homes, so once they’ve entered the house, they’ll sneak inside in search of a cozy little shelter. Behind the fridge, the water heater or the dishwasher, under a pile of clothes or simply in an attic, the basement, the false ceiling, a crack in the wall… any little warm space is good to take! These little animals will curl up there during the day to sleep and come out at night to roam the house in search of food.
8 tips and tricks to keep mice away from your home!
Fortunately, it is possible to get rid of mice in your home without killing them. Here are our eight tips to help you do just that.
Clean up
The main thing that attracts mice to homes is food sources. It is therefore important to make sure that nothing is left within their reach. So remember to clean your home very regularly and not leave any crumbs lying around.
After each meal, wipe down the table and kitchen counters with a sponge to remove any crumbs and food residue left on them. Remember to close your packets of biscuits, crisps and other items properly. Ideally, place any food from an opened package in a closed jar. A good vacuum is also necessary to make sure nothing is left lying around.
Finally, it is important to throw out your trash regularly. Don’t hesitate to invest in a smaller bin that you take out more often to avoid attracting mice. In fact, the food scraps in there are real magnets for them!
Also, before the cold weather sets in, remember to close your openings properly. Avoid leaving access points at ground level, basement, walls and roof level, because mice will sneak in through any small accessible space.
Use essential oils
Mice have a sensitive sense of smell and they cannot stand the smell of certain essential oils . These are therefore a good solution to use to repel them from the house without killing them. They will also allow you to repel other small undesirables such as moths and spiders.
Simply place a few drops on pieces of fabric or cotton that you will distribute in various corners of the house. Cupboards, baseboards, backs of furniture, basement windows, attic… any attractive space must be protected. Renew the diffusion every two weeks or so to prolong its effectiveness.
Combine pepper and lemon
Yes, this surprising mixture is a good repellent against mice. Pepper is a powerful spice whose odor is irritating to the respiratory tracts of small animals. Prefer black peppercorns that you can crush finely for more effect. Lemon is, for its part, repulsive to these rodents because of its acidity.
The principle is simple. Cut a lemon in half. At first, you can use it alone. Place it in a bowl that you will install in places where mice pass or are likely to pass. When it starts to mold or dry out, sprinkle it with crushed pepper. You can also use the pepper alone, in a bowl, and renew it every ten days or so to maintain its effectiveness.