Why do mice want to enter homes?
Mice are attracted to homes because they offer shelter, food, and water. Mice are naturally curious animals and will often explore new environments, including homes, in search of these resources. They are also attracted to the warmth and safety that a home can provide, especially during colder months. Once inside, mice will often build nests and reproduce, which can lead to infestations if not addressed.
Why do you not want mice in your home?
There are several reasons why people do not want mice in their homes. One of the main reasons is that mice can carry and transmit diseases to humans, such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. Mice can also cause damage to a home by gnawing on electrical wires, which can be a fire hazard, and by chewing on wood, drywall, and other building materials. In addition, mice can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and urine, which can create an unpleasant smell and lead to the spread of illness. Additionally, mice can reproduce quickly and can become a nuisance if they are present in large numbers. For these reasons, it is important to take steps to prevent mice from entering your home and to address any infestations promptly.
Simple Rodent Control Tips
To prevent mice from entering your home, it is important to seal off any potential entry points, such as gaps around doors and windows, and to store food in airtight containers. It is also a good idea to keep your home clean and free of clutter, as this can help to reduce the number of hiding places for mice.
Here are 9 simple tips you can take before calling a professional rodent control company.
1. Install door sweeps on exterior doors
Door sweeps are strips of material that are attached to the bottom of a door to create a seal between the door and the threshold. 
They are used to prevent drafts, pests, and other types of unwanted intrusions from entering through the gap between the bottom of the door and the floor. Door sweeps can be made of a variety of materials, including rubber, vinyl, and metal, and they are typically mounted to the door with screws or adhesive. Some door sweeps are designed to be flexible, so that they can conform to uneven surfaces or accommodate changes in the height of the door. Others are more rigid and are designed to provide a more permanent and secure seal. Door sweeps can be used on both exterior and interior doors and are an effective way to improve the energy efficiency of a home and to keep out pests.
2. Repair damaged screens
3. Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home
4. Store food in containers and dispose of garbage outdoors in locked containers
Use containers with tight-fitting lids, such as glass jars or plastic storage containers, to store food. This will make it harder for mice to get into the food and will also help to keep it fresh.
ice are attracted to food debris and crumbs, so it is important to keep your kitchen clean and free of clutter. Wipe down counters and tables regularly, sweep and mop the floor, and take out the trash frequently to reduce the number of potential food sources for mice.
5. Fix your leaks, keep your house dry
6. Keep firewood outside
Firewood provides an ideal nesting site for mice. Mice are small, agile animals and can easily fit into small spaces, such as the gaps between logs of firewood. 
Firewood also provides a warm and protected environment for mice, which they find attractive. Mice are also attracted to the scent of firewood, which can be a source of food for them. Mice are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including insects and other invertebrates that may be present in the wood. In addition, stored firewood can provide a source of shelter for mice, especially during colder months when they are seeking a warm place to nest. To prevent mice from being attracted to stored firewood, it is important to keep the woodpile as far away from the house as possible and to store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. It is also a good idea to stack the wood off the ground and to cover it with a tarp to reduce the number of hiding places for mice.
7. Replace weather stripping around your basement windows.
Mice can get into a home through basement windows in several ways. One way is by finding gaps or openings around the window frame or sill that are large enough for them to squeeze through. 
Mice are small animals and can fit through very small openings, so it is important to check for any gaps or cracks that could provide an entry point for them. Mice can also get in through basement windows by climbing up the foundation or walls of the house and entering through the window opening. To prevent mice from getting in through basement windows, it is important to seal off any potential entry points and to keep the windows closed and locked when not in use. It is also a good idea to install window screens, which can help to keep mice out while still allowing for ventilation. If you have a problem with mice entering your home through basement windows, you may need to take additional measures, such as installing mouse-proof window wells or using other types of rodent control measures to prevent them from entering.
By following these steps, you should be able to repair damaged screens on doors and keep them in good condition. It is a good idea to check your screens regularly for damage and to repair any holes or tears as soon as they occur to prevent pests from entering your home.
If you are still having rodent issues after 30 days, contact a Rhode Island pest control company.
