Keeping mice outside and away from your home requires a combination of cleanliness, maintenance, and deterrent strategies. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prevent mice infestations:

1. Seal Entry Points:
   • Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, holes, and gaps, especially where utility lines enter.
   • Seal these openings with steel wool, copper mesh, caulk, or concrete. Mice can’t chew through these materials easily.
   • Install door sweeps on exterior doors to block gaps under doors.
2. Tidy the Yard:
   • Keep your yard clean and free of debris where mice can hide.
   • Store firewood at least 18 inches above the ground and away from your home.
   • Keep shrubbery and tree branches trimmed away from the house.
3. Proper Storage of Food and Waste:
   • Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers.
   • Ensure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and are made of materials that mice cannot chew through.
   • Regularly dispose of garbage and clean the area around the cans.
4. Maintenance:
   • Repair damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps.
   • Fix moisture problems such as leaking pipes and clogged drains, as these can attract mice.
   • Maintain a clean kitchen, as crumbs and spills are attractive to mice.
5. Eliminate Water Sources:
   • Remove sources of water from around your house. This includes pet water bowls, leaking spigots, and other sources of standing water.
6. Natural Deterrents:
   • Some natural deterrents can discourage mice, such as peppermint oil, clove oil, or cayenne pepper. Soak cotton balls in these oils and place them in areas prone to mice.
   • Adopt a cat or dog. Some breeds of cats and dogs are natural hunters and can deter mice.
7. Use of Traps:
   • Set up traps around the perimeter of your home. There are multiple types of traps, from live-catch to traditional snap traps. Use these cautiously and check them regularly.
     • Ultrasonic devices claim to emit a sound that is uncomfortable for pests like mice. Their effectiveness is debated, but some homeowners find them useful.
8. Professional Pest Control:
   • If you have a persistent problem or a current infestation, it might be time to call in the professionals. They can provide a more comprehensive solution to your mouse problem.
9. Regular Inspections:
   • Regularly inspect your home for signs of mice. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and tracks.
   • Address any signs of mice immediately to prevent a small problem from becoming a full-blown infestation.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of mice entering and infesting your home. It’s important to be persistent and consistent with these measures to ensure your home remains mouse-free.