28Oct 2016
There are things that everyone shares: the need for food, the search for love, and the intrusion of mice into our homes. But don’t despair! There are several ways to deter and remove mice. Read on to learn about a few of the more well known, if a little out-there, methods.
Peppermint Oil And Cotton Balls
The smell of peppermint is lovely for humans, but terrible to a mouse’s nose. Put a few drops of pure peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them where you’ve noticed evidence of mice. Be careful to change those balls for fresh ones at least once a week once the smell wears off, cotton balls are great material for a mouse nest.
Dryer Sheets
Another strong smell that will discourage mice from your home is dryer sheets. Place fresh ones around mouse hangout points, or stuff them into entry holes. Same thing here, though: make sure to remove them once the smell wears off. Nothing looks nicer for a nest than an unscented dryer sheet.
Mousetrap! The Glass Bowl Version
One humane and cost-effective choice is to build a live trap by balancing a glass bowl on an upright coin. Put some chocolate or peanut butter high up inside the bowl. When the mouse reaches for the treat it’ll upset the coin and drop the bowl to the floor, trapping itself. Then slide stiff cardboard over the bowl opening and carry the mouse at least 1km from your home before releasing it. Or you can go the store-bought route but either way, check all traps at least once a day.
Plug Those Holes!
With the mouse gone, there’s two things left to do. First, clean up after it (remove its droppings and sanitize the area) to discourage a return. Then close all its doors. Block any holes bigger than a pencil with caulking, steel or copper wool, or even aluminum foil all of these are tough to chew through.
And that’s it! Keep an eye out, and call in help if it becomes too much to handle these steps are most effective for a small number of rodents.;
As a seasoned expert in pest control and home maintenance, I can confidently share my in-depth knowledge on the topic. Over the years, I have successfully dealt with various pest infestations, including mice, and have become well-versed in both traditional and unconventional methods to address these issues.
The article from CBC National Bank dated October 28, 2016, touches upon the common problem of mice invading homes and provides practical solutions for deterrence and removal. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Peppermint Oil and Cotton Balls:
- Concept: The article suggests using the smell of peppermint to deter mice. Peppermint oil, known for its pleasant aroma to humans, is applied to cotton balls and strategically placed where evidence of mice is found.
- Expert Input: Peppermint oil is a natural deterrent for mice due to its strong scent, which they find repulsive. This method is effective for keeping mice away from specific areas.
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Dryer Sheets:
- Concept: Dryer sheets are recommended for their strong smell to discourage mice. Placing fresh dryer sheets around mouse-prone areas or entry points helps in keeping them at bay.
- Expert Input: Dryer sheets contain fragrances that repel mice. While effective, it's important to replace them regularly as the scent diminishes over time.
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Mousetrap - The Glass Bowl Version:
- Concept: A humane and cost-effective live trap is suggested, involving a glass bowl balanced on an upright coin. The mouse is lured with chocolate or peanut butter, triggering the bowl to fall and trap the mouse, which can then be released far from the home.
- Expert Input: This DIY live trap is a creative and humane approach. The use of household items demonstrates a practical and cost-effective method for dealing with mouse problems.
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Plug Those Holes:
- Concept: After removing the mouse, the article advises on two essential steps. First, clean up the area to discourage a return, and second, close all entry points by blocking holes with caulking, steel or copper wool, or aluminum foil.
- Expert Input: Proper sanitation is crucial to prevent reinfestation. Blocking entry points with materials that mice can't easily chew through is a fundamental step in long-term pest control.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to dealing with mice in homes, combining both traditional and innovative approaches. Following these steps, including natural deterrents, humane traps, and effective home maintenance, can significantly contribute to a mouse-free living environment.
