Mice can be a nuisance when they invade homes. They contaminate food, damage property and can potentially spread diseases. Many homeowners resort to toxic chemicals or traps that kill mice indiscriminately. However, there are natural, non-lethal ways to deter mice and prevent recurring infestations. This guide covers understanding why mice enter homes, sealing entry points, natural repellents, humane traps and long-term deterrence strategies.

Why Mice Enter Homes

Mice enter homes seeking food, water, shelter and breeding sites. They can squeeze through holes as small as a dime and will gnaw through materials like wood, rubber and aluminum. Here are common reasons mice invade homes:

• Food Sources: Mice forage widely and can survive on tiny amounts of food. Crumbs, spills, open containers and pet food left out attract mice.

• Water Sources: Mice require water to survive. Leaky pipes, dripping taps and condensation provide drinking water.

• Shelter: Mice seek shelter in dark, undisturbed areas like attics, crawl spaces and cluttered rooms.

• Entry Points: Any unsealed crack or hole, no matter how small, can become an entry point for mice.

• Nesting Sites: A female mouse can birth 5-10 litters per year with 5-6 young per litter. Mice invade homes seeking sheltered nesting sites to rapidly expand their population.

Sealing Entry Points

To prevent mice from entering, inspect inside and outside the home for holes or gaps. Use steel wool, caulk or spackle to plug holes and seal entry points, especially where utility lines enter the home. Weatherstrip doors and seal gaps around windows. Cover vents and drain pipes with stainless steel mesh. Remove vegetation and debris near the home’s foundation that could allow mice to approach undetected.

Natural Mouse Repellents

Certain strong scents and substances deter mice in a humane, non-toxic way. Here are some popular natural mouse repellents:

• Essential Oils: Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella and lavender oils repel mice. Soak cotton balls and place near entry points.

• Dry Spices: Sprinkle or spray cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, black pepper or garlic powder in affected areas.

• Plants: Grow mint, lavender, basil or marigolds around the home’s perimeter. Their strong scents deter mice.

• Predator Scent: Place used cat litter or predatory animal urine near entry points to scare mice.

• Mothballs: The smell of mothballs repels mice. Place them around the home’s exterior perimeter.

Reapply natural repellents regularly as scents fade over time. Use repellents in combination with sealing entry points for better results.

Humane Mouse Traps

Humane traps allow for the live capture and release of mice without harm. Common types include:

• Multi-Catch Traps: These enclose mice so they can be transported and released. Check traps frequently so mice don’t die from dehydration/starvation.

• Funnel Traps: Mice enter through a funnel and cannot find the exit hole. These capture one mouse at a time.

• Bucket Traps: Mice fall into a bucket and cannot climb out. Release mice immediately or provide food, water and shelter until the bucket is full.

• Glue Traps: Sticky boards trap mice until they can be released outside. To remove mice, apply cooking oil before releasing. These traps are controversial from an animal welfare perspective.

For best results, place multiple traps near walls, in concealed locations and areas with signs of mice. Effective baits include peanut butter, bacon, nuts, chocolate and dried fruit.

Deterring Mice Long-Term

Preventing recurring infestations requires vigilance and repeating key deterrence strategies:

• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen, bathrooms and areas where pets eat. Sweep and mop floors, wiping all surfaces.

• Store human and pet food in chew-proof glass, metal or plastic containers to deny access.

• Inspect the home’s interior and exterior regularly for new holes. Use steel wool or caulk to seal any openings.

• Prune vegetation and clear piles of debris around the home’s foundation to remove hiding spots.

• Remove potential nesting sites like piled cardboard, newspapers and clutter.

• If allowing it, permit cats access to attics, crawlspaces and unfinished rooms to hunt mice.

• Consider planting mint, lavender or other repellent plants around the home’s perimeter.

• Continue using humane traps for live capture and removal of any invading mice. Release them at least two miles from the home.

With consistent prevention and deterrence methods, homeowners can evict mice and keep them from returning without harming the environment or animals. Natural repellents, sealing entry points and maintaining cleanliness provide an effective approach for homeowners who wish to get rid of mice in a responsible way.