Organizing and Cleaning

This is the time of year, that we have the garage doors open more than usual and those pesky little rodents can get in and make a nest so they can hide.  Unless you find their little markings all over the floor, you will not even know that they are there, tearing things apart.

 

Mice can get in through the smallest of cracks and holes, so you will want to take the time to check the foundation around your garage for small crevices. Take the time to especially look in the areas where wires from cable, electric, telephone etc. go into the home and make sure that the caulking is secure.

 

Another place that we seem to overlook is around the chimney and the air vents. Make sure the flashing etc is tight and that the screens in the vents have not loosened. A mouse is smart enough to be able to push through the smallest of cracks.

 

There are some things that can be used t discourage mice from moving into your garage that you probably already have in your home.

         Using a spray bottle the size of a Windex bottle, mix 1 Tablespoon of Tabasco sauce and water and spray around doors, windows, the garage door opening and foundations. This has to be recoated every 3-4 weeks or after a rain. However, it is inexpensive to use.

 

         Place mothballs in airflow bags (such as an orange bag cut into 4-inch squares and secured with string), place them on shelves, and hang them around the room.

 

        They also hate the smell of peppermint, so by simply putting some peppermint oil on a cotton ball and laying them on shelves etc. You can stop them from moving in.

 

         Although the smell of onions is also obtrusive to humans, mice hate it even more. You can cut onions and spread them around the foundation to keep mice away.

 

         For those vents and bigger holes, you can place steel wool in the hole before recaulking so they will not eat their way in.

 

         If you have a cat or know of someone that does, you can spread used kitty liter around the foundation of the house, the mouse will smell the odor of the cat and turn around and walk away. I told you they were smart!

 

When picking up a dead mouse for disposal, it is a good idea to stick your hand in a plastic bag, pick up the mouse, invert the bag with the mouse inside, tie it and throw it away. Mice have diseases and we should all be careful to make sure that we are not infected through an open sore or by transferring the germ to something else. As always, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly!

 

 

Jan Hayner is a Professional Organizer and creator of www.organizingandcleaning.com, offers tips, hints and shortcuts to everyday problems with organizing your home, work, family and life. Read her articles on home organizing and house cleaning hints, tips and shortcuts, home & business organization, record management, time management, organizing workflow, record and file management, home maintenance, improving study habits and ways to save on groceries and utilities. Tips for men, women, seniors and kids.