If you have a rodent problem, then you should know that you’re in for a long-haul solution if you want to treat the problem as humanely as possible. Setting up an extermination service isn’t for the light-hearted, and it can be both costly and ineffective in the long run. The best thing you can do for the unwanted rodents in your life is to find natural and humane solutions. As Tom & Jerry can attest, a problematic mouse can be a difficult foe to contend with. Mice are small, fast, and crafty. They like to hide in impossible-to-reach spaces, including your walls, and mice can cause all manner of problems, from food storage destruction to mysterious holes in your clothes. And we’re not even mentioning the sound, which can drive any homeowner bonkers when the chirping and skittering happen late at night. If you want to get rid of those pesky mice, then here are a few of the best tips to try:
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1. Seal Up Your House
Your first step should be taking an inventory of your house, especially the outside, to identify any points of entry. A mouse only requires a small hole to squeeze through, so make sure your baseboards and windows are tightly sealed. Before you seal any entry points outside, make an effort to make sure the hole is clear first. Just in case.
Food and Nesting Materials
A mouse can make a home just about anywhere if it can get access to food and nesting materials. Make sure all your food is stored in air-tight containers, particularly grains, and kept high from the floor. Also, be sure to keep your property clear of any stray materials, like cotton or fabric.
2. DIY Repellants for Rodents
Your best bet for a humane solution is going to be DIY rodent repellants. There are three key recipes that include ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
Peppermint Oil Spray
Mix about one cup of water with equal parts peppermint oil, cloves or clove oil, and cayenne pepper. These are all scents that are irritating to rodent noses, so spraying this around your house should keep mice away.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar with water and spray around the perimeter of your house, particularly points of entry and windows.
Kitty Litter and Ammonia
Place small pots of kitty litter by doorways to keep rodents away. If you don’t have a convenient cat, you can fake “used” kitty litter by dousing these pots with ammonia, which will warn rodents of potential predators.
3. Set Humane Traps
You can also set humane mouse traps, which do not harm rodents. The idea here is to catch and release. Make sure to check the traps once a day, and when it comes time to release, be sure to release the mice at least a mile away from your home, preferably in a wooded area.
When it comes to getting rid of pesky rodents, you have plenty of humane options that are more cost effective than traditional exterminators. Whether you use DIY rodent repellants or set humane traps, there is certainly a solution that will work for your needs.
