The Sneaky Place You're Forgetting To Check When Looking For Mice Entry Points

Mice are a common problem in many homes, especially in the winter when they seek out warm places to nest. Typically, mice get into homes through small cracks and gaps. Though you may have squashed the entry points in basements and first-floor dwellings, one reason you may have a rodent problem is that they can also take shelter in your garage.

Additionally, mice actually find it relatively easy to enter through many garage doors. You may have already installed a door sweep to prevent this problem. A door sweep is a strip of rubber or vinyl that attaches to the bottom of your garage door to create a tight seal between the door and the floor, which should prevent mice from squeezing under the door.

However, sneaky critters can bite right through a rubber strip just enough to squeeze their way into your garage. One way to determine whether mice are getting in through your garage door is to first check for gaps or holes along the frame. Then inspect the doorsweep. If you notice little bits of rubber that appear to be chewed off, you've likely found out how the mice are getting in.

One thing you can do is install a rodent-proof garage door seal. There are special garage door seals that are designed to prevent mice from chewing through them. These seals are made of metal or a combination of metal and fabric.

Next, keep your garage clean and organized. Since mice are attracted to clutter, keeping it clean will make it less inviting to mice. Trim tree branches that hang close to or over your garage. Keep your garage door closed when you're not using it.

Additionally, take precautions against leaving anything that might be enticing to mice in your garage. Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers. Do the same for grass seed, bags of mulch, old newspapers, and cardboard boxes. If you keep garbage bins in the garage, make sure they are tightly covered at all times. Also, keep in mind that mice need water to survive. Remove any sources of water, including leaky pipes, birdbaths, and pet bowls.