How to Stop Summer Mice Infestation: 5 Expert Pest Control Tips

How to Stop Summer Mice Infestation: 5 Expert Pest Control Tips

Summertime in Dublin. Goodbye grey skies (well…), hello pests. With warm temperatures, eating outside, and open windows, mice can take over a relaxing summer garden.

Many people mistakenly think mice are only a winter pest problem, but these little buggers love the sunshine as much as you do. But you don’t have to let mice ruin your summer holiday.

Regular home maintenance and inspection are the first steps to stopping a mice infestation. Property managers and owners should inspect windows and doors for gaps and cracks, and secure bins and food storage areas. When in doubt, it’s always smart to consult a trusted pest control provider who can help identify weak spots and recommend prevention strategies.

If you’re renting properties, keeping units mice-free isn’t just about keeping tenants happy.  According to this source, it’s also an important part of protecting your investment. Unchecked mouse infestations can lead to costly damage right under your nose.

Let’s take a look at the key factors that attract mice and what you can do to deter them.

Why Mice Love Summers

Mice are opportunists, and a big city like Dublin offers plenty of opportunities to find cozy places to live. Pipes, vents, and crumbling brick are all common access points.

But summertime often means the mice don’t have to look far. People bring the opportunities right to them with outdoor meals, open windows, and easy access.

• More food waste: Eating outside, gardening, and summer parties provide plenty of food scraps and crumbs.
• Open doors and windows: Fresh air is great, but not when mice follow.
• Construction and renovation: All that banging forces these little guys to find quieter spaces like your basement or attic.

All these activities might offer momentary opportunities for a mouse to invade, but with their extremely quick reproduction rates, all it takes is one pair to become a nightmare.

How to Know When You Have Mice 

If prevention fails, it’s best to know what to look for. The sooner you see the signs of mice infestation, the sooner you can start to get rid of them.

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets often near food or along baseboards.
• Nesting material: Paper, fabric, or insulation tucked behind appliances or furniture.
• Teeth marks: On cords, cupboards, or cereal boxes.
• Noises: Scratching or scurrying at night on the walls or ceiling.
• Odour: A stale, musky smell in enclosed spaces.

Where do you start your search? Owl Pest Control has a guide to help you begin your search.

5 Tips to Prevent Mice From Invading Your Home

1)   Seal Gaps and Cracks

Mice need less space than you think. Many mice can squeeze through gaps smaller than a 1-euro coin. This seasonal pest checklist offers a great place to start your inspection.

Take a quick look at these common entry points:

• Foundation and wall gaps
• Pipe entry points
• Window and door seals

Found a gap? Great, you can use steel wool, caulk, or wire mesh to close the hole.

Don’t use spray foam. Mice can chew through like it’s a marshmallow.

2)   Mice Love a Mess

Again, mice are opportunists and are always on the lookout for food. Make sure there’s no free lunch for them in your home by:

• Using airtight containers for food
• Taking out bins frequently (especially compost)
• Sweeping up crumbs, including under large appliances
• Never leave pet food out overnight

3)   Lay a Trap

There are all kinds of mouse traps on the market, which one you prefer is up to you, but placement is key. Mice run along edges, meaning traps should be placed along walls or baseboards. Forget the cheese. Entice them with something delicious like peanut butter or bacon grease.

Remember, one mouse is never one mouse. Lay more traps than you think.