‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house… Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse! But what if a mouse was stirring in your home this winter?

With the chill settling over Kentuckiana, mice are on the move, looking for warmth and shelter. Unfortunately, that often leads them straight into our cozy homes. These pesky little critters might be tiny, but they can cause big problems. From nibbling on your belongings to spreading germs, nobody wants uninvited guests of the furry kind.

But don’t worry—you can take steps to keep these unwelcome visitors away. Here’s a simple guide to mouse-proof your home this winter and enjoy a season free of scurrying sounds in the night.

1. Maintain a Clean Kitchen

Your kitchen is a prime target for mice. Why? Because it’s where the food is. Mice are opportunistic feeders, and even a few crumbs can make your kitchen their new favorite spot. To avoid this, follow these simple tips:

  • Seal all food items. Keep snacks, cereals, and pantry staples in airtight containers.
  • Wipe down countertops. Always clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
  • Don’t forget pet food! Move pet food into secure, airtight containers, especially if it’s stored in the garage.

By keeping your kitchen clean and tidy, you eliminate one of the major attractions for opportunistic mice.

2. Elevate Your Firewood

Firewood stacks can become a cozy shelter for mice looking for refuge from the cold. If you rely on a fireplace to keep warm, take these precautions:

  • Elevate your firewood. Stack it at least 18 inches off the ground.
  • Store firewood away from the house. Placing it a fair distance from your home prevents mice from hopping from the pile to your walls.

A little distance and height can go a long way in keeping mice out of both your woodpile and your home.

3. Install Brush Strips on Doors

Think your doors are mouse-proof? Think again. Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as the size of a dime, thanks to their collapsible rib cages. Those tiny gaps under your doors? Perfect entry points.

  • Add brush strips. These affordable strips attach under doors, blocking the way for mice.
  • Bonus Benefit: Brush strips also reduce drafts, helping keep your home warmer and saving energy during the winter.

4. Declutter Quiet Areas

Garages, attics, and basements often go unnoticed during your daily routine, but for mice, they’re the perfect sanctuary. Quiet and full of nesting materials, these spaces are mouse magnets.

Here’s how to make things less appealing for rodents:

  • Clear out old cardboard boxes. Mice love to chew on them and use them for nesting.
  • Recycle old newspapers and magazines. Avoid leaving paper-based materials lying around.
  • Organize storage areas. Use plastic bins with secure lids instead of cardboard boxes.

By creating an inhospitable environment, you can discourage mice from settling in these often-overlooked spaces.

5. Seal Off Entry Points

Prevention is the best defense against a mouse invasion. Mice are excellent climbers and can sneak into your home through the smallest of openings. A thorough inspection of your home is essential to ensure there are no easy entry points.

  • Inspect doors and windows. Repair any gaps or replace damaged screens.
  • Check for cracks in walls and foundations. Even the tiniest cracks can be access points.
  • Don’t forget the chimney. Install a fine mesh screen to block access while keeping your fireplace functional.

If you find a gap, seal it up with caulk, steel wool, or foam insulation—whatever works best to keep mice out.

Keep Your Home Mouse-Free This Winter

With the chill of winter outside, it’s no surprise that mice are looking for cozier accommodations. But a few simple steps can help you stay ahead of these tiny intruders.

  • Maintain a clean kitchen. Don’t give mice a reason to visit.
  • Elevate firewood and store it away from your home.
  • Seal off entry points and install brush strips on doors.
  • Declutter storage areas to deny mice nesting options.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure the only creatures stirring in your house this winter are the ones you’ve invited inside. A little time spent now can save you a lot of stress and hassle later on.

Want more tips to protect your home this winter? Stay tuned for more homeowner advice, and enjoy a season free of mice!