One rodent researcher told us how to keep mice away this winter

Mice find their way indoors during the winter in search of a A warm place to rest (Just like us). If you’d rather that place not be your kitchen, bedroom, or living room, there are ways to keep mice away in the first place. An ounce of rodent prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to rodents, which is why we turned to an expert to get the inside scoop on keeping mice from getting behind you refrigerator Or under stove.

Laura Dillard, research director at rodent control company Cat He is an expert in pest control and prevention. “Rodents are particularly active in the winter as they search for food, water and warmth to survive the cold months,” she says. “Preventing infestations requires vigilance and preparation to keep these pests away.”

We asked Dillard for her top tips for protecting your home and making sure the holidays and beyond stay rodent-free.

Use natural deterrents

There are a few natural materials that can be placed in place of traditional traps. CNET Home & Kitchen Editor David Watsky I found a mint spray To be a particularly effective way to prevent rodents from taking up residence in the home.

“Peppermint oil is one of the most popular options,” Dillard says, although some people go so far as to put the urine of predators like foxes or coyotes around their homes. This often keeps rodents away so they don’t end up as a meal for a larger animal.

Seal entry points with steel wool

Unsurprisingly, rodents can squeeze through openings of all shapes and sizes, even as small as a quarter-inch in diameter.

“Inspect the exterior of your home, including around pipes, vents and foundation cracks,” Dillard says. “Seal gaps with materials such as steel wool mixed with caulk or metal flashing to prevent chewing. Pay particular attention to areas around doors and windows.”

One approach is to add weatherstripping, which prevents common entrances from animal trespassing. Products like Expanding foam barrier It gets the job done and is not difficult to use and install.

Eliminate tempting food sources

Perhaps the best part of winter is cooking and baking our favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, these dishes, along with leftover crumbs, pet food, bird seed, and improperly stored pantry items, can attract rodents looking for a feast.

“Store all foods in airtight containers made of glass, plastic or heavy plastic,” Dillard says. “Clean up spills immediately and take out trash regularly. Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls out overnight. If you feed birds, place feeders away from your home and clean up any spilled seeds.”

Read more: The best cordless vacuums, tested by CNET Labs

Clear the clutter

There’s a reason why most homeowners on shows like Hoarders deal with rats and rat infestations. Rodents love to scavenge for nesting materials such as paper, fabric, and insulating materials to hide and keep warm.

“Keep storage areas organized and avoid leaving piles of newspapers, cardboard or clothing in basements and attics,” Dillard says. “Outdoors, prune plants near your home, remove piles of debris and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and high off the ground.”

Read more: These kitchen organizers will give you miles of extra counter space

Watch for signs of activity

Early detection can often prevent an infestation entirely, but you need to know exactly what to look for.

“Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching noises in the walls or ceilings,” Dillard says. “Identifying the early signs can help you act quickly.”

Know when to rely on traps

If prevention techniques fail, there are a variety of baits and traps to lure rodents into the enclosure and/or a mechanism that kills them. Although standard mouse and glue traps still exist, they are not the most humane.

Alternatively, live traps exist to offer no-kill options as a thoughtful solution to harmlessly managing rodents. “These traps are designed to safely catch rodents so they can be released back into the wild,” Dillard says. However, they must be used effectively. Here are her most helpful recommendations for getting the most out of your money.

Tips for setting rodent traps

1. Choosing the right trap: “Choose a live trap that matches the size of the rodent you are targeting. Brands offer a range of humane trap sizes to fit mice, rats and other small rodents. Tomcat offers both bachelor and Multiple– You can catch live trap options, but remember to check the traps twice a day to ensure that trapped mice are not being prevented from consuming food and water on a regular basis.
2. Proper placement: “Rodents typically travel along walls, baseboards, and edges of other rooms. Place traps along these hallways and near areas where you have observed droppings, bite marks, or nests.”
3. Catching a trap: “Use an aromatic, high-protein bait such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or small pieces of fruit to lure rodents into the trap. Make sure not to over-bait, as rodents may eat the food without triggering the trap.”
4. Rodent release: “When releasing a captured rodent, take it to a remote location, away from your home to prevent it from returning. Choose a natural area such as a wooded or grassy field where the rodent will have access to food, water, and shelter. Consider wearing gloves when handling the trap to avoid contact Direct contact with rodents.
5. Effectiveness and considerations: “Live fishing traps can be effective, but may require more effort than other methods as traps must be checked frequently to ensure rodents are not left out for too long. Always clean and sterilize traps after each use.”

Of course, by combining trapping with preventive measures, homeowners have the best chance of eliminating the threat of insect infestation. Take both methods into consideration, and rodents may seek comfort in a lost glove rather than within the walls of your home.