Mouse prevention: How to avoid an invasion in Montreal this fall
Discover our tips to prevent a mouse invasion before winter.
How to prevent a mouse invasion in Montreal
How to prevent a mouse invasion: our practical advice
Prevent a mouse invasion with a few simple but effective gestures. Here are our tips for keep mice out of your home this autumn.
1. Sealing openings and cracks
Visit mice can enter through tiny cracks (as small as a penny). So it's important to seal all openings in your walls, windows and doors. Also check around pipes and ventilation ducts.
2. Don't leave food lying around
Mice are attracted to food crumbs or leftovers. Store your food in airtight containers, and be sure to clean kitchen surfaces thoroughly after meals. Don't forget to check and store pet food too.
3. Use natural repellents
Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus and clove are ideal natural repellents for mice. Place oil-soaked cotton pads in corners of your home, especially near doors and windows, to deter rodents.
4. Keeping your home clean
A clean house reduces risk of attracting mice. Vacuum regularly, remove food scraps and garbage, and put away objects that could provide hiding places for rodents. Don't leave open garbage bags in the house, and take out the garbage regularly.
5. Keep an eye on attics and basements
Mice love dark places like attics, basements, or garages. Make sure these spaces are well-organized and inspect them regularly. Seal any openings that could serve as entry points.
Protect your home from the outside
An essential part of the mouse prevention is to make sure that the outside of your home does not attract these rodents.
1. Keep surroundings clean
Debris, dead wood and leaf piles around your house can attract mice. Clean up your garden regularly and make sure that any piles of wood or debris are kept away from the walls of your house.
2. Install grilles on ventilation ducts
Mice can enter through poorly protected ventilation ducts. Install metal grates to prevent these intrusions while maintaining good air circulation.
3. Cut branches close to windows
Mice are excellent climbers. If tree branches are too close to your windows or roof, they can use them to enter. Make sure to trim or prune the branches regularly.
When should you call an exterminator in Montreal?
If, despite all these measures, you suspect the presence of mice in your home, it may be time to contact a professional exterminator in Montreal. Here are some signs of a possible **mouse invasion** :
1. Presence of droppings
Mice leave small droppings, often around food sources or in dark corners of the house.
2. Noises in walls or attic
Mice are nocturnal animals. If you hear scratching sounds or small footsteps during the night, it may indicate their presence.
3. Damage to objects
Mice chew on everything they find, including electrical wires, wood, plastic, and even pipes. If you notice damaged or chewed objects, it's a sign of an infestation.
Why hire a mouse exterminator?
Hiring a mouse exterminator guarantees a fast and efficient response. Here's why it's worth it:
- Mice can seriously damage your property, particularly furniture and wooden structures.
- An infestation can spread rapidly. The longer you wait, the more expensive the intervention will be.
- Professionals use techniques that not only eradicate mice, but also prevent their return.