How to Prevent Mice From Entering Your Home This Winter

As temperatures drop across the UK, mice begin their annual search for warm shelter and food sources. Your home offers everything they need to survive the winter months. Here's how to keep them out naturally.

Why Mice Enter Homes in Winter

Mice are opportunistic creatures that seek warmth, food, and shelter when outdoor conditions become harsh. A gap as small as 6mm (about the width of a pencil) is all they need to squeeze through. Once inside, they can cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, and stored food.

Signs You May Already Have Mice

Before focusing on prevention, check for these warning signs:

• Small dark droppings (3-8mm long) near food sources or along walls
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or plastic
• Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, especially at night
• Musky odours in enclosed spaces
• Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation (nesting material)

Natural Prevention Methods

1. Seal Entry Points

The most effective prevention is blocking access. Inspect your home for gaps around:

• Pipes and utility cables entering the building
• Door and window frames
• Vents and air bricks
• Gaps in roof eaves and soffits
• Foundation cracks

Use steel wool combined with caulk for small gaps, or wire mesh for larger openings. Mice cannot chew through these materials.

2. Remove Food Sources

Make your home less attractive by:

• Storing food in glass or metal containers
• Cleaning up crumbs and spills immediately
• Securing bin lids tightly
• Not leaving pet food out overnight
• Storing bird seed in sealed containers

3. Natural Deterrents

While not a complete solution, these natural deterrents can help:

• Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place near potential entry points
• Cayenne pepper: Sprinkle around areas where mice may enter
• Cloves: Place whole cloves in cupboards and drawers
• Ammonia: Small bowls placed in sheds and garages (keep away from children and pets)

4. Maintain Your Garden

Your garden can either attract or deter mice:

• Keep grass short and vegetation trimmed away from the house
• Remove fallen fruit and berries promptly
• Store firewood at least 6 metres from the house
• Clear away garden debris and compost heaps from the building

When to Call a Professional

If you've spotted multiple signs of mouse activity or your DIY prevention efforts aren't working, it's time to seek professional help. A pest control expert can:

• Identify all entry points you may have missed
• Assess the extent of any infestation
• Implement humane and organic control methods
• Provide ongoing prevention advice tailored to your property

At Organic Pest Control, we use 100% chemical-free methods that are safe for your family, pets, and the environment. Our heat treatment and exclusion techniques provide long-lasting results without toxic residues.