How can you protect a new house from mice? - briefly
Seal all potential entry points with steel wool, caulk, or mesh, and place bait stations or snap traps around the building’s exterior. Keep the interior tidy by storing food in airtight containers, removing debris, and eliminating any sources of shelter.
How can you protect a new house from mice? - in detail
Mice seek shelter, food, and water, making a newly constructed residence vulnerable until all gaps are sealed and habits are established.
Identify and block every possible entry. Inspect the foundation, wall joints, roof eaves, and utility penetrations. Use steel‑wool, copper mesh, or silicone caulk to fill cracks smaller than ¼ inch; install metal flashing around vents, pipes, and cables. Install door sweeps and weatherstripping on all exterior doors.
Create an interior environment that discourages rodents. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills immediately, and keep garbage in sealed bins. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaks and drying damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
Deploy physical barriers and control devices. Place snap traps or electronic devices along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected pathways. Use bait stations only where local regulations permit, and replace them regularly. Position traps perpendicular to walls, with the trigger side facing the wall, to align with natural mouse movement.
Maintain ongoing monitoring. Conduct monthly visual inspections for fresh droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting material. Replace or reposition traps as needed. Keep a log of activity to detect patterns and adjust placement.
Consider professional pest‑management services for large infestations or when structural sealing is insufficient. Experts can apply rodenticides safely, perform detailed building audits, and provide long‑term exclusion plans.
Combine thorough sealing, strict sanitation, strategic trapping, and periodic review to sustain a mouse‑free environment throughout the early years of occupancy.