Mice are drawn to homes with easy access to food and water. The rodents make their nests in warm, concealed areas and have a talent for hiding in the smallest places. Usually, homeowners use baits or chemical products to deal with rat infestations. Chemical-repellent sprays are helpful, but they might harm human and pet health. Here are some tips to keep rodents at bay and some natural mouse repellents that can prevent infestations.

Tips and remedies to keep rodents at bay
Mice are smart creatures that can hide well. One way of noting their presence in the household is to look for common signs like scratches or chew marks on one’s baseboards and cabinet interiors, food or pellet droppings, or squeaking sounds.

Seal entry points
Mice attempt to enter a house when the temperature falls. At this time, one can seal the entry points, like small gaps or holes in the house foundation, siding, and doors, with caulk or weather stripping. Usually, weather stripping can last for one to two years. Over time, it may lose its grip. So, it is advised to replace worn-out or loose weatherstripping before using it. To discourage access without limiting circulation, one can plug vent apertures with steel wool and cover holes with duct tape. Mice cannot gnaw through steel wool, which naturally scares them away. One can also make use of caulk and steel wool together.

Keep food in sealed containers
Mice thrive on easily accessible food supplies, so one way to avoid infestation is to ensure that the grains, pet food, and other dry items are sealed tight or locked in tamper-proof containers. One can also use glass or metal containers for storage since mice cannot gnaw through them. It is also best not to leave pet food bowls in the open or trash cans uncovered. One is also advised to immediately clean up messes or spills while cooking to deter mice.

Using ammonia
One can use store-bought pure ammonia, soak cotton balls into it, and leave them around the house and at entrances. Ammonia smells like a predator’s urine which can successfully fend off mice.

Get rid of nesting materials
Mice build nests using soft insulating materials around the house, like pet hair, paper, or cotton. Therefore, it is advised not to stuff any fabric, rugs, or blankets in concealed corners of one’s house. One can use heavy-duty plastic bins for storage instead of other materials that can be easily chewed through, like cardboard boxes, paper, or thin plastic. Recyclables like cardboard boxes are best disposed of immediately after use. Keeping the house clean and clutter-free will also help prevent infestation.

Use live mouse traps
One can place live traps or baits with food items like bacon, dry fruits, cheese, popcorn, or peanut butter at places where one doubts maximum mouse activity. One can get live traps at home goods or hardware stores. After trapping the mouse, one can release it some miles away from home to avoid its reentry. It’s best to wear gloves while performing this task. There are a variety of traps, including classic lightweight wooden traps, buckets, jaws, and more. Some traps kill the mice when they come in contact, while others are designed to catch and release them.

Maintain common infestation places
One is advised to keep the common infestation areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics dry, clean, and well-ventilated. One can also avoid storing food or woolen items in these spaces.

Use natural mice repellent
Rodents, like mice, have a powerful sense of smell. So, one can use natural repellents with oils to deter them. Diluting apple cider vinegar with water and spraying it in places around the house and at entry points can repel mice. One can use this natural repellent once a month. Hot pepper spray is another non-hazardous repellent that can deter mice. Mix chili flakes, habaneros peppers, dish soap, and water to make hot pepper spray. It is advised not to use this repellent on clothes or frequently-used furniture since it can irritate the eyes, mouth, or nose.

Best mouse repellents on the market
Besides the tips above and natural remedies, one can also buy popular mouse-repellent products with natural active ingredients to keep rodents at bay and ensure the residents’ good health. Some top mouse-repellent products are listed below.

Cooper And Gracie’s Organic Mouse & Rat Repellent
This plant-based and pet-friendly repellent contains peppermint, eucalyptus oils, and some natural enzymes. The repellent spray is known for being cruelty-free.

Moen’s Mouse-Mix
Moen’s Mouse-Mix is an all-natural and spice-filled mice deterrent for larger buildings or barns, sheds, and hunting shacks.

Tomcat® Ready-to-Use Rodent Repellent
This easy-to-use liquid is safe around kids and pets and can be sprayed at entry points. It is also rain resistant; therefore, one can use it outdoors.

It is always advised to check pet allergies before using a spray. Some cats and dogs may be allergic to natural mouse-repellent plants like amaryllis or lavender. In extreme cases, homeowners can hire the help of professional pest management companies to get consultation and action plans to control rodent problems in and around the house.