Cooler temperatures push Edmonton’s mice indoors
Pest control officials warn that as temperatures begin to cool with autumn’s approach, vermin naturally begin to look for a warmer place to spend the night. Pests that come for the warmth could end up staying longer and become a serious issue once they establish a home.
Fall is the time of year where this tends to happen. Mice can stay warm and insulated under the snow in the winter, but before the snow falls they prefer to come indoors to avoid the cooler night-time temperatures. This year, cooler evening temperatures as well as a significant amount of new construction in Edmonton and surrounding areas has led to an increase in incidents of pest activity.
The best approach is to keep these pests out of buildings altogether, and a blended approach to trapping and fortifying buildings from entry can prevent infestations. Once mice have entered a building and established pheromone trails they are difficult to remove. Often the problem will continue until they are blocked completely from entry.
Prevention
With hygiene issues and the possibility of infestation, mice control in Edmonton should not be taken lightly. Once they establish a foothold, it can be challenging to get them out. A few traps will not be enough to rid of them once they have forged a trail into a building.
To mouse proof your home, inspect for any place they can enter. Since these little critters can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, any gaps, cracks, crevices and openings must be addressed and sealed. Kitchens are prime places to enter a home. Therefore, inspect for openings around pipes under the sink and look for any holes inside of cabinets. Fill gaps using wire mesh around the pipes and any openings inside cabinets.
It’s also critical to eliminate the availability of food and remove clutter. Store food properly and eliminate debris and litter from around your home. Since cluttered storage areas make attractive homes for pests, it’s important to regularly clean and reorganize your basement, garage and other storage areas. Avoid using cardboard boxes – instead use durable plastic totes, and these actions will improve your efforts with mice control in Edmonton.
Dealing with mice problems
The best way to deal with critters is not letting them in your house in the first place, however, once they have entered a building there are a few options to consider.
Bait can be used around the outside of the building to deter them. Bait placement involves knowing where mice are dwelling, since they do not like to travel more than approximately ten feet from their shelter. The bait has to be conveniently placed for them to discover it and it must be more appealing than the food they’re accustomed to.
Many people erroneously assume that their pet will keep the house mouse-free. Pets do deter them, but not all pets are born pest controllers. In fact, some mice will live near cats and dogs and sneak away with some of the pet’s food!
Completely getting rid of vermin is not possible, but keeping them out of your home or business is. When a pest problem seems to be getting worse, it may be time to call in a professional in Edmonton for mice control. Hiring a professional before the problem is extensive can save you time and money in the long-run. Considering how important your home is for your family’s wellness and safety, protecting your home is a top priority whether you handle it on your own or with the help of a professional.