How to Mouse-Proof Your Pantry Before Winter, According to an Expert

Keeping pests such as mice out of your home is important year-round, but there are certain times when they're more prevalent. During the winter months, mice tend to scurry indoors to stay warm and dry—and if your home isn't mouse-proof, it could provide the perfect refuge.

Pantries offer warmth, food, and safety for mice. If you wait until winter begins to mouse-proof your pantry, you might already have an infestation that's harder to control. The last thing you want is to walk into your pantry and find mouse droppings near your food—or worse, signs they've gotten into it.

To help you get ahead, we spoke with a pest control expert on how to mouse-proof your pantry before winter and keep these furry pests out all season.

Seal Entry Points

As winter approaches, identify potential entry points into your home. "Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks that mice could use to enter," says McHale. "Mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime!"

Keeping mice out of the pantry also means keeping them out of the attic. During your inspection, check the attic, drop ceilings, and crawl spaces. Because sealing every entry point can be difficult to do on your own, consider hiring a professional for the best results.

Eliminate Food Sources

Keeping your kitchen and pantry clean and organized is crucial for mouse-proofing. "Store your food in airtight containers," says McHale. "This will make it much harder for rodents to gain access to your food." Avoid leaving food out on counters for long periods, and promptly clean up crumbs or spills.

Taking out the trash regularly also helps prevent mice from infesting your home by removing potential food sources.

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Reduce Clutter

Decluttering your pantry and home of old cardboard boxes, paper grocery bags, and loose paper eliminates potential hiding spots for mice. "Rodents love clutter since it provides a great space for them to hide in and nest," says McHale.

In addition to clearing clutter inside, make sure to remove any items stored near your home. Mice can hide in firewood, gardening supplies, and other outdoor materials piled close to the house. Move these items away from your home or elevate them off the ground to prevent nesting.

Maintain Your Home's Exterior

Inspect your home's exterior—including the foundation, walls, and roof—for gaps or holes, and seal them. Identifying potential entry points inside the home is just as important as checking the exterior. "Make sure there are no areas of standing water around your house that mice can use as a water source, and repair any leaky pipes, sinks, tubs, and toilets," says McHale.

Keeping your yard maintained, trimming back vegetation, and clearing debris from around the perimeter of your home are also key to eliminating hiding spots for mice.

Early Signs of Mouse Activity

• Mouse droppings: Small, dark droppings will often appear along baseboards, inside cupboards, or under sinks.
• Scurrying noises: Because mice are nocturnal, you may hear them scurrying at night inside walls, ceilings, or under floors, according to McHale.
• Agitated pets: "Your pets may appear restless and agitated, frantically sniffing around as if they are looking for an unwelcome visitor in their own home," says McHale.
• Chew marks: Mice chew on materials to keep their teeth trimmed, often leaving behind evidence on wires, cardboard, or furniture.
• Nesting materials: Look for gathered nesting materials such as insulation, paper, or fabric in hidden spaces in your pantry and throughout your home.

Homeowners often underestimate the complexity of effective mouse-proofing. In addition to conducting your own inspection, it's best to have a professional take a look before winter to ensure your home is properly protected.