Using Mothballs to Keep Mice Away

Mice are a disgusting and dirty visitor and when they come to your house, you want to do anything to get them to leave—and surprisingly mothballs can be an effective tool for preventing this problem. But because they are toxic to humans and pets, they should be used along with some other preventative measures to really have the most impact. Once the mice invade your home, you will want to use traps or poison to kills them, but the key is always to prevent them from entering your house in the first place. Here is a how-to for using mothballs and other strategies to keep mice far from your home.

How to Keep Mice from Your Home

Step 1 – Clean Your House and Cover All Food

The biggest reason mice come into your house in the first place is because they are in search of food. Keeping your house clean is the easiest way to prevent mice from coming into your home. You must never leave any food on the counter and always wipe your counters down so they are free of crumbs. Put any open food like cereal and rice in plastic, airtight containers. Everything must be protected to keep the mice from venturing into your house in the first place.

Step 2 – Use Peppermint Soaked Cotton Balls

Soak several cotton balls in peppermint extract and place them in high traffic areas around your house. These are non toxic to pets and humans, however mice avoid them at all costs. They are perfect for any place that animals or children are around, yet you want to keep mice away.

Step 3 – Place Moth Balls around the House

Use moth balls in out of the way areas where they will not be bothered by children or pets. They are toxic and should not be used anywhere that children and pets play. Moth balls are great to place in empty basements or attics.

Step 4 – Plug up Visible Holes

Walk around the exterior of your home and attempt to locate any visible holes. If you find any, plug up the holes with caulk. The fewer entrances the mice have into your house, the less chance they will come. Mice can fit through very small spaces, some even as small as a dime, so be meticulous about finding entryways.

These are the best ways to prevent mice from entering your home. Remember that mice reproduce very quickly so when you notice a mouse, be sure to take steps to rid your house of them immediately. If they do end up getting into your house, the moth balls and peppermint soaked cotton balls will work to get them out the door. Be sure to maintain the cleanliness of your home to give them little reason to want to stay and you should be successful in keeping the mice at bay.