Seeing evidence of mice in your house may have you wondering what you can do to prevent them from continuing to cause trouble. Some commonly suggested solutions aren't ones that everyone can try, such as a person with allergies getting a cat. Putting out mouse traps is likely to only be effective in a limited area rather than across your whole home. These three solutions, however, will help you put together a multi-pronged approach to keeping mice out of your residence.

Avoid Attracting Mice

Take the time to spot things in your house, especially food sources, that might be bringing mice in. If you have items in your pantry that show evidence of being gnawed on, such as bags, transfer those to thick plastic tubs. It's also wise to place bird feeder away from your house, as mice often find the presence of easy food and a warm place to sleep to be an irresistible combination.

Deterring Mice

Strong odors, particularly ones that come from mothballs and ammonia, tend to drive mice away. Essential oils may work, and the ones that smell strongest, particular peppermint oil, are worth trying. The oil can be added in a few drops to a bottle of water or cleaner.

Seal Up

If mice are getting into your house, they're finding their way in through an opening somewhere. Asking a professional to seal your home to prevent mice is a good way to meet the problem head-on.

It can be shocking just how little space a mouse needs in order to enter a home. The smaller species of mice can push themselves through holes of less than an inch in width. This means that even the smallest gap in a structure, which can be the result of everything from a house settling to minor construction flaws, is an entryway to a mouse.

Professionals utilize several techniques to keep out mice. They may employ thermal imaging equipment to spot where a hole exists. For small holes, they can use expanding foam to block the entryway. If you're dealing with something that needs to continue to provide airflow, such as the gap at the top of a roof that allows an attic to breathe, they can employ steel mesh that's sealed at the edges. In other instances, they may also use a combination of steel wool to plug a hole and a sealant to hold it in place.