In the winter, mice will come into the house looking for food. warm place (Just like us). If you don’t want this to be your kitchen, bedroom, or living room, there are ways to keep mice out in the first place. When it comes to rodents, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is why we turned to the experts to get the lowdown on how to prevent rats from denning up behind you. refrigerator or based on stove.

Laura Dillard, Director of Research, Rodent Control tomcat Are experts in pest management and prevention. “Rodents are particularly active in the winter as they search for food, water and warmth to survive the cold months,” she said. “Pest prevention requires vigilance and preparation to keep these pests at bay.”

We asked Dillard for her top tips for protecting your home and keeping it rodent-free for the holidays and beyond.

Use natural deterrents

There are some all-natural substances that can be used to replace traditional traps. CNET Home and Kitchen Editor David Watsky Found peppermint spray This is an especially effective way to prevent rodents from taking up residence in your home.

“Peppermint oil is one of the most popular options,” Dillard said, although some people even leave urine from predators like foxes or coyotes in their homes. This usually scares away rodents so they don’t become dinner for larger animals.

Seal entry points with steel wool

Not surprisingly, rodents can squeeze through openings of all shapes and sizes, even if they are only a quarter of an inch in diameter.

“Inspect the exterior of your home, including around pipes, vents and foundation cracks,” Dillard says. “Seal gaps with a material like steel wool combined with caulk or metal flashing to prevent chewing. Pay special attention to areas around doors and windows.”

One method is to add weatherstripping to prevent animals from trespassing at common entrances. Products such as Expanding Foam Barrier Gets the job done and isn’t difficult to use and install.

Eliminate tempting food sources

Perhaps the best part of winter is cooking and baking our favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, these dishes, along with leftover crumbs, pet food, bird seed, and improperly stored pantry items, can attract rodents looking for a feast.

“Store all food in airtight containers made of glass, metal or heavy-duty plastic,” says Dillard. “Clean up spills promptly and take out the trash regularly. Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls out overnight. If you feed birds, place feeders away from your home and clean up any spilled seeds.”

Read more: The best cordless vacuum cleaners, tested by CNET Labs

Eliminate clutter

On a show like Hoarders, there’s a reason why most homeowners deal with rat problems. Rodents love to find nesting materials such as paper, fabric, and insulation to burrow in and stay warm.

“Keep storage areas organized and avoid leaving piles of newspapers, cardboard or clothes in basements and attics,” says Dillard. “Outdoors, trim vegetation near your home, remove debris and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and above ground level.”

Read more: These kitchen organizers will give you miles of extra counter space

Monitor for signs of activity

Early detection can often prevent an entire infection, but you have to know exactly what you’re looking for.

“Look for droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching sounds on the walls or ceiling,” Dillard says. “Recognizing early signs can help you take action quickly.”

Know when to rely on traps

If prevention techniques fail, a variety of baits and traps can be used to lure rodents into enclosures and/or mechanisms to kill them. While standard mousetraps and glue are still around, they aren’t the most user-friendly.

As an alternative, live traps can provide a no-kill option as a thoughtful solution to managing rodents without causing harm. “These traps are designed to safely capture rodents so they can be released back into the wild,” Dillard said. That said, they must be used effectively. Here are her most helpful tips to help you get the most for your money.

Tips for setting rodent traps

1. Choose the right trap: “Choose a live trap that matches the size of the rodent you want to trap. Brands offer a range of humane trap sizes for mice, rats, and other small rodents. Tomcat is available in single and multi-trap Live trap option, but remember to check the trap twice daily to make sure trapped rats are not being denied normal food and water.
2. Correct placement: “Rodents often move along walls, baseboards and other edges of rooms. Place traps along these paths and in areas where you notice droppings, gnawing marks or nests.”
3. Bait Trap: “Use high-protein, aromatic baits such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds or small pieces of fruit to attract rodents into the trap. Be sure not to over-bait as rodents may eat the food without triggering the trap.”
4. To release rodents: “When releasing a captured rodent, take it to a remote location away from your home to prevent its return. Choose a natural area, such as wooded or grassy areas, where the rodent can access food, water, and shelter. Consider wearing a Use gloves to avoid direct contact with rodents when handling traps.
5. Validity and precautions: “Live traps can be effective, but they may require more effort than other methods because traps must be checked frequently to ensure rodents are not left for too long. Always clean and disinfect traps after each use.”

Of course, by combining trapping with preventive measures, homeowners have the best chance of eliminating the risk of pest intrusion. With both of these methods in mind, it’s likely that the rodent will seek comfort in the lost glove rather than within the walls of your home.