Mice in the house: how to get rid of them?

No need to panic and climb on the chairs! The presence of mice in the house is very common. This is in no way a systematic translation of a lack of hygiene. Nevertheless, precautions for maintaining your interior must be taken in order to avoid the intrusion of this small animal. Natural repellent methods are also very effective.

When we talk about mousewe most often refer to the gray mousea common species regarded as a harmful intruder of houses. However, the mouse is also raised as petor laboratory.

This animal from the family of muridae (like the field mouse or the vole) is small size (between 6 and 10 cm) and of brown or gray color. The mouse has a pointed snoutof big ears and some black eyes. She moves quickly on her 4 little legs.

“Mice often find shelter in the house, attracted by warmth and food. If you don't want mice, it's best to avoid overheating your habituation in winter,” emphasizes Emilie Kapps, naturopath. Mice can be vectors of diseases and parasites for humans. Finally, they can considerably damage your interior“,

Here are some signs that mice are currently in your home:

• of the teeth marks on walls, wooden furniture or electrical cables;
• of the paw prints ;
• of the unpleasant odors related to the fact that the mice urinated (the smell of mouse urine is reminiscent of ammonia);
• of the noises at night (scratching, squeaks…) ;
• the presence ofmouse droppings. THE mouse droppings are black grains a little smaller than grains of rice;
• the presence of mouse nests which look like comfortable places where the mouse lays its young, covering them with whatever it can find: pieces of cotton, paper towels, etc.

Please note that mice move in groups. So, if you have seen a mouse in your house/apartment, there may well be others.

The fact that you have mice in your house does not necessarily indicate a lack of hygiene. In fact, these animals are looking above all for warmth. Most often, they are found in the cellarTHE atticTHE attic or the frame. Sometimes they manage to reach parts like the laundry room.

If you leave drag food or that you Do not vacuum up crumbs or other food debrisyou expose yourself to the risk of an invasion. However, mice can also devour other inedible objects such as a candle, plaster, soap, etc.

It is annoying to have mice or any other rodents at home. Indeed, these animals expose you to risks of:

• diseases especially in the event of bites or contamination of food by excrement;
• parasites (ticks, lice…) ;
• offires (from chewing on electrical wires);
• of deterioration of the insulation of the numerous ducts who walk the walls;
• of allergic reactions (by inhaling dry excrement).

A few simple steps can help prevent mice from getting in:

• eliminate entry points : check that the weather stripping is in good condition, caulk the windows, seal cracks in the foundations or walls, cover the ventilation ducts with fine mesh, etc.
• eliminate nesting sites around your house/garage;
• cut tall grass and weeds near your home.

Mice hate strong smells so you can opt for natural repellents like cloves and certain essential oils to keep them away. Baking soda or ultrasonic repellents are effective methods to get rid of rodents.

The power of the spicy scent of cloves keeps mice away as well as many other rodents and insects. Simply place a few cloves in bowls or fabric bags and scatter them around the house and if possible in places where rodents pass through and settle.

L'clove oil is also effective. You can pour a few drops on cotton pads to place in strategic locations.

Peppermint essential oil is an effective natural repellent against mice and other rodents. Soak cotton balls with a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Place the cotton balls in places where mice are suspected to be passing through or settling (in cellars, under the roof, etc.). Repeat the operation every 2 days.

Baking soda is a natural rodent repellent that is commonly used. Sprinkle it on the paths that mice use. When ingested, it mixes with the acid in their stomachs and causes the rodents to suffocate.

These devices found in stores are effective. They emit variable ultrasounds, which negatively affect the nervous system of rodents, preventing them from staying longer near the device and, therefore, from leaving the places protected by the repellent.

THE mouse poison based onanticoagulants or sleeping pills may seem like an easy way to get rid of a mouse problem. But there are some very real dangers to this method:

• first because these products are dangerous for young children and pets who may inadvertently ingest it, which could cause serious reactions (sometimes life-threatening).
• Add to that that after ingesting the poison, the mice's bodies decompose, releasing harmful toxins into the air. Pets could also consume the mice's corpses, which could cause their death.

The use of mouse poisons is therefore to be avoided. It is better to call a pest control company if the mouse invasion persists despite natural means.

Here is a natural method to catch a mouse:

• Use a 1L plastic bottle;
• Cut the neck with a cutter or scissors;
• Then drop a piece of cheese or peanut butter, foods that mice love;
• Place the bottle on a piece of wood (this will act as a seesaw to trap the mouse);
• Place another piece of wood in front of the bottle to create a ramp to access the bottom of the bottle.
• Once the mouse is captured, all you have to do is release it into the wild.

Note that there are ready-to-use mouse traps available commercially.