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How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Home - A Practical Guide

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. and-mice-out-of-your-home-a-practical-guide.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 3:31 GMT by The Mirror

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How to Keep Rats and Mice Out of Your Home – A Practical Guide

A recent article on The Mirror (https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/stop-rats-mice-entering-your-36272554) provides a no‑frills, straight‑to‑the‑point guide for homeowners who are tired of dealing with rodents. The piece is written in the Mirror’s usual conversational tone, aiming to make the topic accessible to a broad audience while still giving useful, actionable advice. Below is a summary of the main points, broken down into the steps suggested by the article, along with some extra context and links that were cited in the original piece.

1. Identify the Problem

The article opens with the observation that many British households experience a “rat‑and‑mouse crisis” during the colder months when food is scarce and shelters are sought. The Mirror’s author emphasizes that you need to be certain you have a rodent problem before you start spending money on solutions. Typical signs include:

• Droppings in cupboards, under appliances, or along baseboards
• Nesting material (paper, cloth, or shredded plastic) in hidden corners
• Gnaw marks on wires, furniture, or food packaging
• Odd noises at night, especially in the attic or kitchen

If you notice any of these, the article recommends taking a photograph and noting the location – this will help you track the spread and determine the most effective barrier points.

2. Seal Entry Points

The core of the Mirror’s advice is to “block the entry.” Rodents can squeeze through a hole as small as a coin, so the article stresses that all potential gaps must be addressed. Suggested techniques include:

• Caulking cracks in walls, around pipes, and under doors
• Weather‑stripping on doors and windows
• Door snakes or “door sweeps” for a physical barrier
• Hardware cloth or steel wool for larger gaps
• Gaps around the chimney or vent pipes – a common entry point for mice

The article also points to a BBC Good Food article (linked in the Mirror piece) that illustrates how to properly install a door snake and another The RSPCA page on the dangers of using too much steel wool (which can be a fire hazard if it’s not handled carefully).

3. Eliminate Food Sources

Keeping food out of reach is crucial. The article stresses:

• Store groceries in airtight containers (e.g., glass jars or high‑quality plastic bins)
• Clean up crumbs immediately – use a damp cloth or mop
• Secure trash in sealed bins; take out the bin daily
• Check pets’ food – avoid leaving pet food on the floor

A link to a Healthy Food Guide website is included in the Mirror article, which explains how certain pantry staples (like oats and flour) are especially attractive to rodents and should be kept in sealed packaging.

4. Use Deterrents

The article lists several low‑risk deterrents that can be tried before resorting to poison or traps:

• Peppermint oil – dampen cotton balls and place them near suspected entry points
• Mothballs – not recommended for families with children or pets because of toxicity
• Ultrasonic repellents – these emit high‑frequency sound; the Mirror notes that effectiveness is mixed and many users report no benefit
• Noise deterrents – like a small radio or a fan; rodents dislike constant background noise

A footnote in the article links to a Science Daily piece that explains how peppermint oil’s strong scent interferes with mice’s olfactory receptors, making it a popular choice for DIY homeowners.

5. Trapping

If deterrents fail, the article outlines the two main trap types:

• Snap traps – quick and inexpensive, but require careful placement to avoid pets
• Live‑catch traps – allow you to release the rodent elsewhere, but you must check them regularly to prevent distress

The article cites the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) guide on how to trap safely, emphasizing that all traps should be placed along walls and away from food zones.

6. Professional Pest Control

When the problem escalates—e.g., multiple droppings, large nests, or repeated sightings—the article advises calling a licensed pest control company. The Mirror references a UK Pesticides Advisory Committee (UKPAC) guideline that outlines safety procedures for handling rodenticides. They stress the importance of:

• Certifications – ensuring the company holds a “Pest Control Licence” issued by the British Pest Control Association
• Non‑toxic alternatives – many firms now offer “green” solutions like pheromone traps or eco‑friendly rodenticides

The article also gives a short list of highly rated local pest control services (based on user reviews on Trustpilot), complete with links to each company’s website.

7. Prevention & Maintenance

Finally, the Mirror stresses that prevention is better than cure. The article suggests:

• Regular inspections – at least once a month during the winter
• Seasonal sealing – tighten doors and windows during cold snaps
• Gardening hygiene – keep mulch piles away from the house, trim trees that lean against walls
• Educate the household – children should learn not to feed or approach rodents

An optional link to a DIY community forum gives a step‑by‑step guide for sealing a small 1‑inch gap using silicone, which many readers found helpful.

Bottom Line

The Mirror article delivers a straightforward, practical roadmap for anyone dealing with a rodent infestation:

1. Confirm you have a problem
2. Seal all potential entry points
3. Remove food sources
4. Try natural deterrents
5. Use traps as a last resort
6. Call professionals when needed
7. Maintain preventive habits

It’s clear the article aims to empower homeowners with information rather than pushing a particular brand or product. The mix of local links (RSPCA, RoSPA, BBC, Trustpilot) and general advice makes it a useful one‑stop reference for tackling rodents in a UK context. Whether you’re a first‑time homeowner or a seasoned DIYer, the guide offers a good starting point to keep your living space safe and rodent‑free.