There are a few kinds of pests that become more of a consideration as the weather gets colder outside, and rodents like mice and voles are common examples. How can you keep mice and voles out of your home, particularly as temperatures around Utah drop as winter approaches?
At Logan Extermination, we’re proud to offer a variety of pest control services for clients around Logan, including for larger pests like mice, voles, and many others. Here are some basics on mice and voles, plus some general tips on ensuring they stay far away from your home this fall and winter.
What Are Mice and Voles?
Most people have at least heard of mice, which are small rodents with a distinctive long tail. Voles are somewhat similar, but they have shorter tails and smaller ears.
Both mice and voles are considered pests because of their tendency to invade homes and gardens. They can cause significant damage by chewing through wires, insulation, and other materials. Additionally, they can carry diseases that may harm humans. While voles are slightly more common outside (they’re often called “field mice” for this reason), mice are more commonly seen indoors.
They tend to be most active during the colder months, seeking shelter from the harsh weather and looking for sources of food. However, in warmer climates, they can be a year-round problem.
It’s important to realize that because mice and voles reproduce so quickly, eradicating them entirely is essentially impossible. Rather, the primary goals for home and property owners will center around preventing mice and voles from creating nests or accessing parts of the property you don’t want them in. Our next few sections will go over how to go about this.
Outdoor Tips for Voles
As we noted above, voles tend to be more active outside. Because these small rodents can cause considerable damage to your property, it’s worth taking the time and effort to keep them at bay. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
- Keep your lawn trimmed: Voles love tall grass because it provides good cover for them as they move around. By keeping your lawn well-trimmed, you limit their opportunities for hiding.
- Remove any potential food sources: Voles are herbivores, which means they feed on plants like vegetables and fruits. If you have a vegetable garden or fruit trees on your property, make sure to clean up any fallen produce or trim back any branches that may be touching the ground.
- Install barriers: Another effective way to prevent voles from entering your yard is by installing barriers. This can include hardware cloth, mesh wire, or even gravel around the perimeter of your lawn and garden beds.
- Use repellents: There are many natural repellents that can be used to deter voles. Some popular options include pepper spray, castor oil, and predator urine. These methods may need to be reapplied regularly to remain effective.
- Get a cat: Cats are natural predators of voles and can help keep their population in check. If you have a cat or are considering getting one, they can make a great addition to your pest control
Sealing Tips
Particularly during colder parts of the year, both mice and voles may attempt to find shelter in your home. To prevent them from getting inside, it’s important to seal any potential entry points. Here are some tips for sealing your home against rodents:
- Inspect and repair any cracks or holes in the exterior of your home.
- Use caulk or steel wool to fill in small openings.
- Install screens on windows and vents.
- Keep doors closed as much as possible.
By taking these steps, you can minimize the chances of mice and voles finding their way into your living space.
Proper Food Storage
Mice and voles are attracted to food sources, so it’s important to store food properly to prevent them from being tempted to enter your home. Here are some tips for proper food storage:
- Keep all food in sealed containers.
- Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.
- Regularly clean out pantries and cabinets to remove potential nesting areas.
By keeping your food stored securely, you can greatly decrease the likelihood of attracting rodents into your home.
Traps or Repellants
In cases where preventative measures are not enough, you may need to use traps or repellents to get rid of rodents in your home. Here are some options:
- Snap Traps: These traditional traps are designed to snap shut on a rodent when triggered.
- Glue Traps: These sticky traps can be placed along walls and other high-traffic areas for rodents.
- Ultrasonic Repellents: Emitting high-frequency sound waves that are unpleasant for rodents, these devices can help repel them from entering your home.
Professional Assistance
In certain significant cases of mice or vole infestations, it is always recommended to seek the help of a professional pest control company. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to effectively get rid of rodents and prevent future infestations. They also use eco-friendly methods and products that are safe for you and your family.
At Logan Extermination, we’re proud to offer the best pest control services you’ll find around Logan and nearby areas. Contact us for help with mice and voles, or with any other kind of pest control need!