Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
As the cooler weather is ushered in, we are reminded that it’s time for mice to start making their way indoors. A lot of Memphis homeowners assume that mice only enter dirty or unkept homes. While they prefer these habitats, rodents will find their way even into brand new or fancy homes. They aren’t like your neighbors. Mice don’t care how new or old your house is. They are simply searching for food and shelter. Today on the blog, Memphis pest control experts share tips for getting rid of mice this fall.
Eliminate Entry Points
The first step in keeping mice out of your Cordova home or apartment is to seal up any entry points. Mice can squirm into an opening no larger than a small coin. As a rule of thumb, if you can stick a pencil through the opening, then seal it up. Assess your doorways and windows and look for any cracks or worn-out weather stripping. Take a look around the outside of your home, especially around areas where pipes or wiring enters through the walls. Look for any open spaces or cracks along your foundation. If you’re able, check your soffits and roof, or you can hire a professional to inspect these areas. Seal up any holes or openings that you find. Steel wool or caulking works well but should be inspected these areas often as mice can sometimes chew through these over time.
Set Mouse Traps
Good ole fashioned wooden snap traps usually are enough to handle catching a few mice. However, some mice become accustomed to the same bait and switch technique. For best results, use different types of traps, and add plenty of them about your house. Use glue traps, live bait traps, and wooden snap traps. Don’t underestimate their intelligence or that you may only have one or two mice because chances are, many more lurk where your eyes cannot see.
Use Proper Placement
What good are mouse traps if you don’t put them in the right places? Mice usually don’t travel far from their food source. So, it’s a good idea to place traps where you find rodent droppings. Position the traps along baseboards in a perpendicular direction, with the trigger facing the wall. This prevents the mouse from setting the trap prematurely. Our Memphis rodent exterminators recommend changing the trap location every couple of days or so.
Use the Right Bait
Mice have their favorites in terms of food, although they will eat about anything. You will have the best of luck catching rodents if you use peanut butter, dried fruit, bacon, oatmeal, or chocolate as bate. Despite common assumptions, cheese isn’t a favorite for mice. One mistake many people make is not securing the bait, which is why you may wake to find the trap completely empty! Use fishing line to secure the bait, or you could even hot glue it to be sure the mouse won’t run off with it. If food doesn’t seem to do the trick, add nesting material like a cotton ball or feathers.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Mice
It goes without saying that a dirty home attracts mice, although it’s important to note that a clean house won’t prevent rodents. A mouse needs only a few crumbs a day. However, a dirty home is certain to attract rodents and other pests. Maintaining a clean home with regular sweeping, storing food in sealed containers, and not leaving dishes or food lying around or in the sink helps reduce rodents inside your home by eliminating their food source. Also, you have to be aware of the mice outside as well. If you live in a city or a heavily wooded area, you may be more prone to rodent infestations.
Get Rid of Mice in Memphis Home
If you need help getting rid of mice in your Memphis home or need to know how to handle a rat infestation in Cordova, contact AAA Termite and Pest Control by calling (901) 737-7378. Rodents are disease-carrying creatures that could jeopardize you and your family’s health. Schedule a pest control treatment by contacting us today.