Keep that turkey to yourself this holiday season
The holiday season is fast approaching! Before you know it, it will be time for gathering with family, feasting, and decking the halls—but it’s also prime time for some uninvited guests: rodents. As the temperatures drop in Knoxville, mice and rats are on the hunt for warm shelters and easy food sources like your home. The most common types of mice in Tennessee are house mice, deer mice, and cotton deer mice. Here are some effective DIY and home remedies to keep rodents at bay, so you can enjoy the holidays pest-free!
1. Seal up cracks and crevices
Rodents can squeeze through really small openings like gaps around doors, windows, utility pipes, and foundation vents. Mice, for example, can fit through a hole the size of a dime! Start by inspecting the exterior of your home. Use steel wool or caulk to seal these openings. Steel wool is particularly effective because rodents can’t chew through it. For larger gaps, use hardware cloth to block their entry.
Dive deeper: Got more than just rodents in your home? Learn how to prevent all the fall invaders.
2. Keep food out of reach
A kitchen stocked with holiday goodies is a dream come true for rodents, so store all your food—especially grains, nuts, and sweets—in sealed containers. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and remember to sweep up any crumbs or spills that could attract pests. Rodents have a great sense of smell, so anything left out will be like ringing a dinner bell.
Pro tip: Take out the trash regularly and keep outdoor bins tightly closed, preferably away from the house.
3. Essential oils as natural repellents
Many rodents are repelled by the smell of certain essential oils. Peppermint oil is a well-known deterrent, as mice and rats dislike its strong aroma. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spritz areas where you’ve noticed rodent activity, such as baseboards, kitchen cupboards, and under sinks. Clove oil and eucalyptus oil are also effective options if you prefer to switch up scents.
How to use:
- Soak cotton balls in peppermint or clove oil and place them in areas where mice are likely to enter, like near doors and vents.
- Reapply every week to keep the scent potent.
4. DIY mouse repellent sprays
Alongside essential oils, you can create a homemade spray using simple ingredients like vinegar and garlic. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and add a few crushed garlic cloves. Spray this mixture around known entry points and common nesting areas. The smell is highly effective in keeping rodents away!
5. Set up DIY traps
For those who don’t mind a more hands-on approach, DIY traps can be helpful for catching any rodents that have already made their way inside. Peanut butter, with its strong aroma, works well as bait for mouse traps. Consider humane traps that allow you to catch and release them far away from your home, as they can be an effective option that doesn’t harm the animals.
6. Reduce water sources
Rodents need water just as much as they need food. Fix any leaky pipes or dripping faucets, and don’t leave water in sinks or pet bowls overnight. By limiting their access to water, you make your home a much less inviting place for rodents.
If your mice or rat problem persists even after using these tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pest Ops for an inspection and treatment. A quick inspection and targeted treatment plan can safeguard your home from any persistent rodent issues and help you enjoy the holidays worry-free.