Mice are some of the most infamous pests to regularly invade residences and places of business. Rodents are often in search of warmth, food and a safe place to build a nest for their young. Chances are if you own a home, you have at some point considered mice removal. However, preventing mice from coming inside in the first place is often much less hassle than dealing with the critters and calling a professional to help. Here are some of the ways you can mouse-proof your home in British Columbia.

1. Seal All Holes and Cracks

Most people are aware that mice are very small creatures, but people still underestimate just how minuscule of a hole they can crawl through. This is why it is important to seal all holes in a home, whether they are in the wall, next to a window, over the garage door or in other locations where mice are likely to take advantage. There are several ways to seal a gap, including:

• Using caulk or putty to plug the hole and make entering through the gap difficult or near impossible
• Nailing a piece of plywood over the space to ensure that nothing can get through without extensive chewing 
• Putting up a fence or other temporary material around where rodents can access the hole
• Closing off a crack or hole with a sealant, which is often an easier option for someone who is inexperienced with performing handiwork

Keep in mind that mice and rats do chew everything and anything, so any repairs you make to a hole will have to be kept under careful observation to ensure its continued integrity. However, it is a good solution when you do not know how to keep mice away.

2. Use Steel Wool

Steel wool is a studier option than some of the others for blocking off an entryway to mice. The downside of this material, however, is that it will rust over time if exposed to any source of water. Consider using steel wool in the interior of a home rather than the exterior.

3. Be Cautious of Food

It is a good idea to seal all food in air-tight containers, not only to keep mice away but other types of pests as well. If you are wondering how to prevent mice in the house, properly storing food is one of the simplest ways to make your home less enticing to these creatures. If the only kind of containers you have are plastic, that is better than nothing, but consider investing in some glass or metal containers that determined mice are less able to chew through.

In addition to properly storing food, make sure you promptly clean up any spills or crumbs produced in the process of cooking meals. Remember that pet food should be stored and handled just like human food in order to help prevent a rodent infestation.

4. Avoid Water and Moisture

Just like humans, mice get thirsty, especially in the warmer months of the year. Avoid letting water stand in your home and yard for long periods of time, whether that means draining puddles or avoiding a sink full of dirty dishes, and prevent moisture from occurring in locations such as the garage and basement. In addition to drinking, mice also use water as a way to stay cool, so take steps now to prevent mice in the house so that mice do not use your home as a place to relax and cool down.

If you are wondering how to prevent mice from entering the house, consider these four relatively cheap and easy methods. If all else fails, contact the helpful and knowledgeable professionals at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to help you manage your rodent predicament.