If you’re living in a dorm or apartment with a kitchen, then you know how important it is to keep your kitchen clean. You should be regularly cleaning your oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Not only does cleaning these appliances make your living space more enjoyable to live in, but it also keeps away rodents and bugs. The last thing you want in your living space is a mouse scurrying around your floor or a group of ants making your pantry their home. Unfortunately, apartments and dorms are the ideal home for many of these critters. College living spaces are often cluttered, and it’s common to have food crumbs scattered across your floor. Plus, it’s super easy for outside creatures to get access into your dorm or apartment. Thankfully, keeping these unwanted pests out of your space is easy, as well as getting rid of them, with these ant and mice prevention tips.
What causes mice and ants to come into my kitchen?
Let’s start off with the reasons why these critters even want to get into your kitchen in the first place. Both ants and mice are attracted to crumbs and spilled food, as well as any unsealed food and garbage. They are just wild animals looking for their next meal, after all.
Ants in particular are also attracted to water, like leaking faucets, undrained dishwashers, and cups with liquid in them. If your kitchen is humid, then ants will definitely be drawn to it, as they like warm environments.
Mice are constantly looking for somewhere to nest, so if you have any clutter in your cabinets, there’s no doubt that a mouse might find it perfect to settle in. If you live on a ground floor, an open window or door is an invitation for mice to slip right in.
How do I keep mice and ants out of my kitchen?
It only takes a few simple precautions to ensure that mice, ants, and other outdoor creatures don’t get into your kitchen. The most simple thing you can do is make sure that all of your food is stored properly. This means no open containers of snacks. Keep your food in an airtight container, like a jar or tupperware. Mice and ants are constantly on the lookout for food, so if you spill a drink or make a mess of crumbs, clean it up right away. If you let it sit, it could become a creature’s dinner.
Leftover food on dishes in the sink can also attract unwanted critters. To prevent them from making an appearance in your kitchen, don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink. Instead, throw out unwanted leftovers and wash dishes and cups after you’re done. The same goes for garbage: don’t let unsealed garbage sit in your kitchen. Try to take it out right away and not let it accumulate.
Peppermint oil can be used as a natural deterrent for creatures, especially mice. Mix peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle and spray near entry points. Mice do not like the smell of peppermint oil, so they’ll be sure to stay away from your kitchen.
What do I do if I have mice or ants in my kitchen?
If you’ve already spotted a mouse or some ants in your kitchen, don’t freak out: it’s not too late to get rid of them. Mouse traps can be placed in cabinets and near entry points, and you can use bait like peanut butter or cheese to catch them. It’s also not too late to use the peppermint oil trick to deter them from your living space.
For ants, you can place ant baits anywhere you’ve spotted them. You can also use some homemade solutions, like spraying white vinegar in areas you’ve seen them crawling. The strong smell interferes with their chemical trails, which in turn confuses the ants and stops them from returning to your kitchen. You can also use dish soap or lemon juice in your spray.