Homeowners may be unknowingly inviting mice and other pests into their homes through common domestic mistakes, according to experts. Chris Townsend, marketing manager at removal firm Three Movers, identified six typical errors that create ideal conditions for rodents and insects, regardless of how clean a property is.
One major mistake is storing cardboard boxes in lofts or garages. Cardboard provides excellent insulation and is easy for mice to chew through, making it a prime nesting material. Townsend noted that during house moves, families often discover shredded nests and droppings in boxes they thought were safe.
Keeping pet food, bird seed, or grass seed in sheds or garages also attracts rodents. These items are high in fat and protein, making them irresistible to rats. A single 5kg bag of birdseed can sustain a rat family for weeks, and flimsy plastic bags are easily gnawed through.
Linen cupboards filled with unused bedding and towels can become a haven for mice and moths. Townsend explained that any fabric-based items left untouched for more than a season become targets, as mice love the privacy and moths lay eggs in the fibres.
Stacking wood piles against external walls creates a highway for termites, which can then move into the property. Experts recommend keeping wood piles at least 20 feet away from the house. Additionally, overripe fruit in a bowl emits chemical signals that attract fruit flies and ants from hundreds of metres away.
