How to Keep Mice Out of Your House: Practical Tips That Actually Work | Xcluder

If you’ve ever had to deal with a rodent problem, you know how unsettling it can be. A single mouse can quickly turn into an infestation, and once they’re in, they can be hard to get rid of. Fortunately, with the right strategy and a little preparation, you can significantly reduce the chances of rodents ever getting inside

First though, besides the ick factor, why is it so important to keep mice out in the first place? Because mice can do a lot more than just make a mess. They can chew through insulation, gnaw on wiring (creating a potential fire hazard), contaminate food with urine and droppings, and they carry and spread diseases that are bad for pets and people alike.

Bottom line: According to pest control experts, prevention is the most effective way to deal with mice. The key is stopping them before they ever get inside, and below are a few of the most effective strategies.

Effective Ways to Keep Rodents Out

Inspect and Seal Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, which means even the tiniest opening could be an open invitation. Start by inspecting the exterior of your home. Check around vents, look for cracks in the foundation, and pay close attention to places where plumbing, electrical, or HVAC lines enter the building.

Then take a look inside. Inspect under sinks, behind appliances, inside cabinets, and around basement or attic access points. Gaps around plumbing—especially under kitchen and bathroom sinks—are some of the most common interior entry points.

Here’s a quick reference to some of the most frequent rodent access spots:
Common Rodent Entry Points

If you find areas that need sealing, keep in mind that foam or caulk alone won’t cut it. Mice can easily chew through both. Instead, use a proven rodent-proof product like Xcluder® Fill Fabric—a tough, rust-resistant blend of stainless steel and poly fibers specifically designed to block rodents. It’s easy to install and ideal for sealing weep holes, foundation cracks, and small gaps, especially those found around pipes.

For larger openings that aren’t suited for Fill Fabric alone, use steel mesh, metal flashing, or hardware cloth to fully close off access and prevent rodents from chewing their way in.

Secure Your Garage and Exterior Doors

Rodents often enter homes through low, overlooked access points—like the gap under a door. Whether it's a front door, side door, or garage door, standard rubber garage seals and basic door sweeps are no match for determined rodents. They can easily chew through and slip inside. These under door entry points are more vulnerable than most people realize, and without the right protection, they leave your home wide open.

Install Xcluder Rodent-Proof Garage Door Seals and Xcluder Rodent-Proof Door Sweeps, both reinforced with chew-proof Fill Fabric. These create a proven physical barrier that mice can’t gnaw through or squeeze under.

Store Food Properly and Clean Up Crumbs

Mice go where the food is, so keeping your home clean and your food sealed is one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter them. Store dry goods in airtight containers, clean up spills and crumbs as soon as they happen, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Trash should be emptied regularly and kept in bins with secure, tight-fitting lids.

Even a few scattered crumbs can be enough to attract rodents looking for an easy meal. But keep in mind—cleanliness alone isn’t always enough. Even spotless homes can end up with mice if access points around the home aren’t properly sealed. A strong prevention plan includes both food control and rodent-proofing your home’s structure.

Reduce Clutter in Storage Areas

Mice are drawn to quiet, cluttered spaces where they can nest undisturbed. To keep them out, make sure storage areas are clean, well-organized, and difficult to access. Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes and put them on shelving units rather than the floor whenever possible. Keep items spaced out to reduce potential hiding spots.

If you store firewood outdoors, keep it at least 20 feet from your home and a few inches off the ground. Mice love to nest in firewood piles and can use them as a launching pad to get into the house.

Keep an eye out

Mice can be a problem at any time of year—especially if they find easy access to food, water, or shelter.  Staying proactive all year long helps you catch issues before they turn into full-blown infestations. Check regularly for signs of activity, including droppings in kitchens or basements, scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, shredded materials used for nesting, or gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or wires. You may need to set traps or contact a licensed pest control professional to safely remove any pests that are present.

Create a Rodent-Free Home with the Right Tools

Keeping mice out of your house isn’t about luck—it’s about being proactive and using exclusion products that are proven to work. By sealing entry points, protecting vulnerable areas like doors, and keeping food sealed and storage areas tidy, you can create a home that’s much less attractive to rodents.

Ready to take the next step in sealing up your home against rodents? Shop Xcluder Fill Fabric, Garage Door Seals, and Door Sweeps at BuyXcluder.com and protect your home with the same trusted exclusion materials as the pest pros use.