Prevent Mice Infestations in Indianapolis
Thanksgiving day is here, and let me tell you, you are ready to shine.
Since it’s your first time hosting in your new home, everything must be perfect (Aunt Geraldine will have nothing to pick at this year)! As the minutes tick down to go-time, you run through your list one more time.
Turkey—in the oven!
Gravy—stirred!
Potatoes—mashed!
Guests—almost here!
Giant mouse lounging on the counter—check!
GIANT MOUSE LOUNGING ON THE COUNTER!?!
As your face turns white and you turn to grab a container, you think, why now, and how did this happen?!
Well, AAA Exterminating, a pest control company in Indianapolis, Indiana, is here to tell you exactly how it happened…and how it can be avoided in the future! So listen up closely, because we just heard that doorbell ring.
What Are Mice Looking For?
In short summary: food, water, and shelter.
As the season begins to change and the temperature starts to drop, mice have one thing in mind—surviving the winter.
As master-maneuverers, mice have the ability to fit through spaces that are as small as a quarter! This means any small exterior crack could become fair-game. To help protect your home, follow these 5 tips below.
#1 Seal Up Exterior Cracks
As a pest control company in Indianapolis, Indiana who has seen a thing or two about mice infestations, we know what a serious problem external cracks or openings could become.
Since mice have the ability to fit through tiny spaces, we recommend filling cracks with silicone caulk. This can prevent mice from inviting themselves in. You should also pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter the home, since larger openings tend to exist around these areas.
#2 Eliminate Easy Food Sources
We don’t want to sound like your mother here, but don’t leave food lying around.
Since mice have an excellent sense of smell, they are often drawn to our kitchens, pantries, and trash cans. If food is left out, mice will have an easy source of energy—leading to a further infestation.
Mice can also easily chew through plastic and cardboard, so we recommend placing food in the fridge or airtight plastic containers.
Tip #3 Eliminate Access to Water
We bet you have one of the following things on your property: a bird bath, clogged gutters, a wading pool, a dog’s water bowl, leaky hoses, or outdoor faucets.
Well guess what.
All these sources of water can be an inviting place for mice to gather. Though mice can survive on scarce quantities of water, having a reservoir at their disposal is a major attraction. At the end of each day, you should empty your dog’s water bowl, dump the bird bath and kitty pools, and make sure those outdoor faucets are drip free!
Tip #4 Mop Your Floors Regularly
Let’s circle back round to the whole food thing.
Again, not to sound like your mother, but you need to sweep and mop your kitchen floors regularly! You should also take special care to wipe down the counters and get those hard-to-reach crumbs from under the microwave and fridge.
Just because your food is put away, it doesn’t mean that mice can’t use their excellent sense of smell to find any source of food left behind. Prevent the infestation before it happens.
Tip #5 Contact a Pest Control Company in Indianapolis, Indiana
Ding dong.
Oh shoot, the guests are here and you’re having a Texas-sized showdown with that fat mouse on your counter. As your mind whirls you can only think, “How could I have prevented this sooner.”
You should have contacted AAA Exterminating. As a pest control company in the Indy area, we have over 65 years of experience with dealing with those pesky rodents! For help with extermination, or better yet, for help preventing an infestation call AAA at (317) 773-3797 to learn more.