A Practical Guide To Mouse Proofing If you have seen the movie “Mousehunt,” you know that mouse proofing an environment is a challenge. Mice and rats will enter buildings through gaps in outer walls, using pipes as their roadways. They are usually attracted by food (open trash cans, dry dog or cat food in paper bags, bird seed, etc.). Mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime. Frequently animals come inside in the beginning of winter when they are seeking warmth. Another factor that will drive animals inside is nearby construction. The most effective animal proofing techniques are:
Seal all containers with food (especially if they are near pipes or cracks in the flooring).
Seal gaps and other openings where they can enter the house using caulk or sealant.
Humane traps can be used to relocate the animals.
It is not necessary to use poisons or any form of inhumane traps (i.e. traditional snap traps or glue traps). They are cruel, ineffective and pose a lethal danger to non-targeted animals such your pets, other wild animals and even children. If a poisoned or injured animal dies in the walls of your home, the stench will be impossible to remove. The following items — used together — can be effective in preventing mice or rats from entering your home:
Steel wool (brillo pads)
Camphor (moth balls)
Peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls.
Stuffing these items into wall cracks before sealing the crack can also be effective. Humanely trapping and relocating mice or rats is a simple solution. Using peanut butter, bird seed, crackers or even chocolate candy as bait will quickly attract a mouse or rat into your trap. You must not leave the mouse in the trap for more than about 3-4 hours. Relocate the mouse or rat to a safe place with shelter near a quiet protected woodpile, downed branches or covered area away from traffic.
