Over the last few weeks there has been a noticeable change in the weather in Charlotte. Fall has arrived and with that means shorter days, pumpkin flavored desserts, and preparing our homes for winter. Rodents have noticed the change in the weather as well. During the cooler months, field mice will search for warm locations that can provide access to food and water. Unfortunately, this usually means your home and once they arrive, they make themselves comfortable. They eat food left on the counter, chew the trim on the walls, tear up insulation, and possibly cause electrical damage.

There are many steps you can take to prevent mice and the snakes that chase after them from finding their way into your home. Here are some tips to keep your home rodent free this fall.

Stop Feeding Them

Your home is full of food sources for rodents. Leftovers, dirty dishes in the sink, loosely sealed items in the pantry, and even your pet’s food bowl are all scrumptious meals for mice. Before you go to bed, spend some time wiping down the counters, putting away leftovers, and cleaning up the dishes.

Seal Them Out

While small cracks in your homes foundation might appear too small for a mouse to crawl through, anything larger than a quarter is the right size for a mouse to squeeze through. Take a walk around your home and check for cracks in the foundation, gaps in doors or window frames, or missing screens on crawl spaces or vents. Fill holes with caulk or cover them with wire mesh to remove an access point.

Check your basement, attics, and crawl spaces to make sure they are sealed and dry. Also, make sure any blankets, rugs, or coats that are stored in these areas are in bags or plastic bins.

Keep It Clean

Secure the trash cans both in your home and outside with a lid. Mice are scavengers who will seek out any food source possible. If possible, keep your garbage cans in your garage rather than outside. Having them inside provides one more obstacle between the mice and the food source.

During the holiday months, our homes are a location to enjoy our families and loved ones. Dont let pesky field mice invade your space. If you notice mice in your home this winter, contact Truly Nolen of Charlotte at 704-910-2936 for an inspection. Our certified technicians will work with you to evict the mice and return your home to the tranquil place you know and love.