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If you have recently found a mouse in your home, you are likely in search of a solution to get rid of it and keep it and its friends from returning. There are a lot of old wives’ tales, home remedies and natural solutions on the market for preventing and trapping mice. It can be hard to figure out what really works or does not for repelling mice.
Moth balls are one of these commonly referred to recommendations as a way to deter mice. But are moth balls actually effective at rodent control? Not really. Mothballs are not an effective form of rodent control or preventative measure. This is especially true if there is a food source or nesting material that is attracting them. Mothballs contain the active chemical naphthalene and therefore are classified as a pesticide. Their common use is to help eliminate bugs and insects. The naphthalene in mothballs causes a strong smelling odor and is thought to repel mice. While mothballs are smelly, they do not contain enough naphthalene to effectively repel mice. In fact, mothballs are actually prohibited by the EPA as a mouse repellent because that is not their intended use and can be hazardous for pets or children.
Video Evidence: Do Moth Balls Repel Mice?
Here’s an informative video showing just how effective moth balls are as a mouse repellent. As you can see the mice come and go completely unaffected by the moth balls.
There are much more effective methods for getting rid of and repelling mice than moth balls. Listed below are 5 preventative steps to reduce the chances you will find an unwanted visitor in your home. In addition to preventative measures, I have listed 6 of my favorite tried and trusted mouse trap products on the market.
How to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Home
Whether you have a mouse problem or are being proactive, it is never too soon to take action towards preventing mice from sneaking into your home. Follow these 5 steps to prepare your house to be mice free.
- Seal Exterior Cracks: Mice have the ability to squeeze through cracks and crevices as small as a dime. This is why it’s important to seal up any cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Keep Food Sealed: Seal human and pet food in airtight containers and clean up spills and crumbs.
- Reduce Clutter: Avoid having excess clutter that may attract mice and provide them with nesting material.
- Keep Home’s Exterior Clutter Free: Keep vegetation and firewood stacked away from your home.
- Cover Vents: Cover vents and chimneys with screens. Mice will not be able to come in from the cold when they feel the warm air with vents covered.
Often preventative steps are just part of the solution. There will be times that no matter how clean or sealed your house is, you will still find signs of a mouse. There is no need to panic as there are several options available to help eliminate your mouse problem.
Best Mice Repellent Sprays and Traps
You may be feeling overwhelmed if you have found signs of a mouse in the form of nesting material, droppings, or chewed food wrappers. The good news is that there are several products on the market today to help fit your need and situation. Products range from repellent sprays, poison, glue traps, catch and release devices and traditional spring traps. These are some of our top picks in each of those categories.
Product | Description | Rating | Buy Now |
Mighty Mint Gallon (128 oz) Rodent Natural Peppermint Oil Spray | 4,279 Ratings | ||
Tomcat With Bromethalin Bait Chunx Pail | 20,714 Ratings | ||
CaptSure Humane Mouse Traps | 13,152 Ratings | ||
Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap, 36Count, White | 42,803 Ratings | ||
Feeke Trigger Mouse Trap | 12.493 Ratings | ||
RinneTraps - Flip N Slide Bucket Lid Mouse Trap | 6,319 Ratings |
For more information on each of these trap options, check out our full article – How to Get Rid of Mice. I discuss which option might be best if you have children or pets. It is also important to think about where in your home or garage has the highest mouse traffic.
Happy Hunting,