Stop Mice From Getting Into Your House for Good

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The mistake most people make: They buy traps and poison, but never find and seal the entry points — so mice keep coming back indefinitely. The permanent fix is exclusion first, then elimination of what's already inside.

Step 1 — Find Every Entry Point

Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime (6mm). Walk the full perimeter of your home and check:

• Foundation cracks — especially where pipes and wires enter
• Gaps around dryer vents, gas lines, and water pipes
• Under doors — if you can see light under a door, mice can get through
• Roof soffits and attic vents — mice climb
• Garage door bottom seal — commonly overlooked

Step 2 — Seal the Gaps (Right Way)

1. For small holes and pipe gaps: stuff with steel wool first, then seal over with caulk. Mice cannot chew through steel wool.
2. For larger gaps and foundation cracks: use expandable foam with steel mesh insert or hardware cloth.
3. For under doors: install a proper door sweep.

Step 3 — Eliminate What's Already Inside

Set traps near walls, not in open areas — mice travel along baseboards. Snap traps outperform glue traps and poison in speed and safety (no risk to pets or children).

1. Place snap traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end touching the wall
2. Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or nesting material (cotton ball)
3. Check daily and reset
4. Wear gloves when handling traps and dead mice

Step 4 — Remove Attractants

• Store all dry food (rice, pasta, pet food) in airtight containers — cardboard boxes are not mouse-proof
• Do not leave pet food out overnight
• Keep compost bins sealed and away from the house
• Stack firewood at least 5 metres from the foundation

Pro tip: In Canada, mouse season peaks in October–November as temperatures drop and mice seek warmth. Do your perimeter inspection in September every year before they start looking for a way in. One pregnant female can produce 35–60 offspring per year — early prevention is dramatically more effective than reactive trapping.