Natural ways to keep mice out of your home this autumn
In the autumn, mice often enter homes searching for shelter and food. Natural methods can be quite effective in fighting them, and products from the kitchen may help.
Do you feel as though something is moving behind the wall? Or perhaps you hear a faint rustling at night? These could be mice. These clever rodents can build a cosy nest in many unsuspecting places, such as barns, cellars, or garages. Worse still, they also invade our homes. Not only are they bothersome, but they can also carry diseases. It's no surprise that when we detect their presence, we want to remove them promptly.
How to recognize the presence of mice in the house?
Identifying the presence of mice in the home is crucial for effective action. The first sign to notice is noise. Rustling sounds emanating from behind the walls or in the loft may indicate their presence.
Another clear indication of mice is droppings. Unpleasant odours and remnants of excrement are definite signs of unwanted tenants. You might find these unpleasant surprises near skirting boards, behind and under furniture, and in the corners of rooms.
Mice often leave food fragments behind - small crumbs or gnawed food packaging serve as warning signals. Pay attention to the kitchen and pantry; if something has been damaged in a distinctive way, it's a sign that rodents have entered the house.
Holes in walls or floors can also suggest that mice have found a way into your home. They often use existing gaps as an entrance to warm places. If you notice any of the above signs, act quickly.
Home remedies to get rid of mice from the house
The presence of mice is an issue that affects many households. When searching for effective solutions, it's worth turning to home remedies. The first step is to ensure that food in the home is stored tightly. The smell of food attracts these small pests, so seal leftovers in airtight containers.
Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, or anise can help in getting rid of rodents from the house. Simply place a cotton ball with a few drops of the oil in strategic locations (behind furniture, by stairs, in cracks, near door frames). Their intense smell will undoubtedly deter mice.
Cinnamon, black or cayenne pepper, and garlic - these aromatic spices will also make mice hesitant to enter the room. Sprinkling them in room corners and by doors will effectively drive them away. Mice dislike the smell of spicy spices, so you can rest easy.
Vinegar is another option. Rodents have an extremely acute sense of smell. The sharp and sour smell of vinegar irritates them. Additionally, vinegar may hinder mice's ability to detect pheromones, which are crucial in communication among pests. As a result, areas saturated with the smell of vinegar will become less enticing to them.
Each of these methods has its benefits. You can use each trick individually or combine them for a more effective result.