One morning, you notice small black droppings near the fridge. That night, you hear strange rustling sounds coming from the walls. Could it be? Have some uninvited guests moved in? The mice are back, but why your home? And more importantly, how do you get rid of them without turning your living room into a battleground?

Why do mice invite themselves into your home?

• A refuge from the cold
  When the weather turns cold, mice start looking for warmth and shelter. Your well-insulated home offers the perfect cozy spot. It’s like a warm cabin in the mountains… but they don’t have to pay for it!
• An all-you-can-eat buffet
  Crumbs under the table, a trash can that’s not properly sealed, or a bag of cat food left out… to a mouse, that’s a banquet fit for royalty! Their sense of smell is so sharp that they can sniff out even the smallest food scraps.
• Unsuspected access
  Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 6 mm – a poorly sealed door or a tiny hole in the wall can easily become a highway for them.

Signs of a Mouse Infestation

Before you go full force on the mouse removal, you’ll want to confirm that you actually have mice. Here are the most common signs:

• Small black droppings: like grains of rice, usually near food sources.
• Night noises: scratching, squeaking, or fast movements in the walls or ceilings.
• Nests: often made from paper, fabric, or soft materials.
• Teeth marks: on furniture, electrical wires, or food packaging.

How to get rid of mice naturally?

1. Plug the entrances
Start by securing all access points. Use putty, steel wool, or metal grates to seal even the smallest holes.

2. Remove food sources
Wipe down surfaces thoroughly, store food in airtight containers, empty the trash regularly, and never leave crumbs or pet food lying around.

3. Use natural repellents

• Peppermint essential oil: Mice can’t stand the smell. Soak cotton balls in it and place them near entry points.
• Bay leaves: They mess with the mice’s sense of smell.
• Cloves or white vinegar: These are simple but effective deterrents.

4. Set humane traps
Opt for live traps to catch the mice without harming them. Then, release them far from your home, preferably in a wooded or rural area.

What if the invasion persists?

If mice continue to invade despite your efforts, it might be time to call a professional pest control service. They have stronger methods that are still safe and effective.

Preventing a new invasion

• Inspect your home regularly, especially in fall and winter.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Install rodent-proof screens on ventilation openings.

A mouse infestation can be a hassle, but it’s not the end of the world. By understanding their habits and using natural methods, you can restore peace to your home… without the need for war or poison.