Where do ants, cockroaches, and mice have in common? They are all pests that belong inside, but that love to venture inside your home. If you do see them inside, you need to take action fast — because this is not where they should be! Pests are not just a nuisance. They can spread disease, destroy your insulation and other building materials, and leave nasty smells behind.
Every homeowner should know the basics about pest control. Yes, you can call in a professional as needed, but knowing the basics will still help you keep the pests outside where they belong. You can learn those basics right here on this blog.
Moisture: The Underrated Mouse Attractant
When seeking to keep mice out of their homes, people often focus on eliminating food sources. They clean up crumbs, put their food in sealed containers, and so forth. This is definitely an important element of pest control. However, there's another element that people often overlook — and that is eliminating moisture. Just like you, mice need to eat and drink.
If you've been having a pest control company come out again and again, but the mice always seem to come back, it could be because your home has the perfect amount of moisture for the mice. So what are the sources of moisture you should worry about? Take a look.
Leaking Faucets and Toilets
Walk through your home and take a look at each of the faucets. Are any of them dripping slowly? This is enough moisture to attract mice. You can try tightening the faucet to see if that helps. If you're capable, you can take the faucet apart and replace the o-rings. If not, you can hire a plumber to do this for you.
Once you have the faucet repaired and it is no longer dripping, have the pest control company come back. Another round of trapping and baiting and the mice should stay away since there won't be any water for them to come back to.
Leaking Pipes
The pipes in your home may be a source of moisture themselves. You can't always see the leaks themselves since many pipes are behind walls and floors. However, if you notice any moist spots on the walls or moldy areas, this indicates there is a leak that could easily attract mice. Have a plumber come locate and repair the leaky pipe. Then, have a pest control company set some traps near the areas where the pipes were leaking. When the mice come back to get a drink, they'll be trapped.
Foundation Holes
The other main way water can enter your home is through holes or cracks in your home's foundation. Even a tiny crack can let in enough moisture to attract mice. Look over your basement walls and seal any cracks with caulk. If the cracks are more than 1/4 inch wide, you will want to have them professionally repaired. You can also install and run a dehumidifier to ensure that any water that seeps in gets removed quickly.
If you can keep your home's moisture sources under control, you can keep mice under control. Contact a pest control company for more information.