Mice Prevention

The first line of defense against mice is to seal your home. Any holes that are larger than ¼ inch will allow mice to gain access because their jaws can fit into tight spaces like these and quickly chew larger openings that allow them to enter a building. Therefore it is important to seal all openings with steel wool or caulk.

Be careful not to attract mice with food – where possible, store food in plastic or metal containers. Regularly clean under stoves, refrigerators and cupboards.

Mice Deterrent Tips

• Food safety - Be careful not to attract mice with food. Where possible food should be stored in plastic or metal containers. Regularly clean under stoves, refrigerators and cupboards.
• Doors - Fit bristle (or brush) strips to the bottom of doors to prevent entry, especially in older properties where the door fit may not be snug.
• Pipework - Seal holes around existing or new pipes with coarse grade stainless steel wire wool and caulking (pliable sealant).
• Holes - These are often made in exterior walls for cables and pipes; check that old pipework holes are sealed too. Any holes that are larger than 5mm will allow mice to gain access because their jaws can fit into tight spaces like these and quickly chew larger openings that allow them to enter a building.
• Air Bricks and Vents - Cover these with fine galvanised wire mesh, especially if they are damaged.
• Eaves - Fix damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps.
• Vegetation - Trim tree branches back from the house and where possible avoid plants growing up the sides of your property. Vines, shrubs or overhanging branches can be used for mice to get onto roofs. Overgrown vegetation close to the walls will offer mice shelter and potential nesting sites.
• Lawns - Keep grass mown short to reduce shelter and seeds for food. Ideally leave a gap between the building foundations and the garden.